Sam Bateman prepares to join Henderson City Council

Now that the June 7 general election is over, Sam Bateman and Mike Mayberry are preparing for a new chapter in their lives.

"I really thank the voters," said Bateman, who won the election for Henderson City Council Ward 4. "Running for election is like filling out a job application."

Bateman received 8,330 votes, or 63.24 percent , while Mayberry received 4,843 votes or 36.76 percent .

"I was taken back when I first saw the numbers," Mayberry said. "I thought our numbers would be close. I didn't anticipate him having that much of a difference. I was wrong."

Mayberry, the former police chief, had built a rapport in the community from years of service, collecting endorsements from other longtime officials such as Mayor Andy Hafen.

Mayberry ran for mayor in 2009, losing in the primary to Hafen and Councilman Steve Kirk.

"This (loss) feels worse," Mayberry said. "This really stung. I feel bad for the people who were supporting me. I feel like I let them down."

Because Mayberry entered the 2009 race late and was gone after the primary election , he said he wasn't as invested in that race.

"I spent every waking moment, day and night, on this campaign," Mayberry said. "I enjoyed the journey because I enjoyed meeting the people."

Looking back on the campaign trail, Mayberry has only one regret.

"I think early on, when the negative campaigning started against me, I wish I would have spoken up," Mayberry said, "instead of counting on my reputation to carry my name."

Bateman and Mayberry squared off in several mailers in which Mayberry was accused of scamming taxpayers by collecting disability on top of his pension and Bateman was accused of having a conflict of interest and not having enough time to serve on the council.

Mayberry doesn't know if he will run for an elected position again.

"I think I would have to give it considerable thought and prayer before I did it again," Mayberry said.

Mayberry is looking for other ways to serve the city.

"I don't want to give specifics," Mayberry said, "but a few offers have been made to me about serving the city."

Since the election, Mayberry has called Bateman to wish him the best.

"I hope he becomes a great city councilman," Mayberry said.

Bateman, who was on the Planning Commission and is a prosecutor for Clark County, already was used to balancing his time.

"I'll make it work," Bateman said. "Jack Clark (former councilman) made it work. Hafen made it work. So will I."

Both Clark and Hafen worked for the Metropolitan Police Department while serving on the Henderson City Council.

Bateman is excited about the transition.

"I think it is going to be a smooth transition," Bateman said. "That was the thing I kept saying in my campaign. I can hit the ground running from day one."

He is expected to be sworn in at 7 p.m. today at City Hall, 240 S. Water St.

Contact Henderson and Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.