Six Mesquite council candidates advance to general election

A field of nine candidates was narrowed to six today as voters in Mesquite seek to fill three of the five seats on their City Council.

Incumbent Councilmen Robert “Bubba” Smith, Karl Gustaveson and Bill Wells all survived the primary vote, though two of them appear to have their work cut out for them in the runoff.

Gustaveson finished fourth and Wells fifth.

The three seats will go to the top three finishers in the general election.

Donna Fairchild came in first with about 16 percent of the votes cast. Smith and W.G. “Geno” Withelder each took about 15 percent, though Smith finished second by two votes.

Charles “Charlie” Sellner captured the sixth and final spot on the June 2 ballot.

Mesquite is governed by five City Council members and a mayor who casts votes only to break ties.