BURTON -- Update: August 2nd, 9:40 p.m.
The results are in for the Burton mayoral primary election.
Paula Zelenko received 1,154 votes and Danny Wells came in second with 847 votes. Gerald Johnston was defeated with 277 votes. For more election results, click here.
With just one day left before the August primary.
Candidates across Mid-Michigan are giving it their all.
It's down to the wire for Burton’s mayoral candidates.
Burton City Council Member Danny Wells says he's been campaigning door-to-door for the last few months, touting his plan to bring the city new technology.
“We don't even have a communication system at the city of Burton. You can't even leave a message. That’s just absurd in this day and age, only a few people have e-mail," said Wells.
Mayor Paula Zelenko says she plans to stay in office by saving the city money by restructuring and cross-training employees.
“I think I’m the best candidate because of my experience and the way we have been doing things now,” said Zelenko.
The next mayor will have many financial issues to tackle, including a 1.1 million dollar decrease in property tax revenue, and a $250,000 decrease in state shared revenue.
Zelenko laid off eight people to help balance the budget, two of which were police officers.
But after 18 days they were brought back with federal grant money.
Wells says the city knew it had secured the grant and didn't agree with the layoffs.
“I don't like the political games. It disrupted the lives of the families; it disrupted the police department and made the city of Burton less safe,” said Wells.
As a volunteer firefighter for 33 years, Gerald Johnston says he doesn't like some of the tough decisions Zelenko has had to make, and is also running for mayor to give the community some fresh ideas.
“I believe where the economy is now, some of the people that are putting us in this position are looking out for themselves,” said Johnston.
Despite their differences all three candidates say they're confident they'll be Burton’s next mayor.
The top two winners from Tuesday’s election will battle it out on November 8 in the general election and serve a four year term.
The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
