Leanne and Mark Senter hug after his victory was announced Tuesday night in the race for Plymouth Mayor. Pilot Photo/Rusty Nixon

By Rusty Nixon Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — Mark Senter had a chance to play his best Robert Redford for his fellow Republicans, gathered to celebrate a victory in Tuesday’s Plymouth city election.
“I’m reminded of the movie, ‘The Candidate’,” said Senter after his victory over incumbent Gary Cook. “After he wins, Robert Redford’s character says, ‘Okay, what do we do now?’”
Senter will have a chance to answer that question as Plymouth voters not only gave him a win over Cook, but swept Mark Neidig, Chuck Ripley, Wayne Smith and Mike Delp into seats on the City Council as well.
“We worked hard we did everything we could to get it right,” said Senter. “Gary (Cook) ran a good campaign too, but we outworked him. I really don’t know what else to say.
“This is a big surprise to me, the amount of the spread. This was not Mark Senter, this was a team effort from the Republican party.”
Consensus of candidates and voters saw economic development as a major issue facing the city and each of the Republican candidates pledged to make that a major focus as they take their respective offices.
Senter had other issues that he hopes to highlight as well.
“The immigration issue of course is big on my platform and taxes have gone up 22 percent in the last four years,” said Senter. “The meth problem is near and dear to my heart, something I’ve worked on the last five years and we’re going to try and tackle that, too.” Senter, an Indiana State Police Detective, has served on the state’s methamphetamine suppression unit as well as clean-up and investigation team.
With a campaign that became more acrimonious as election day neared, Senter hoped that he and Cook could work together now that election day is over.
“Gary and I have been friends for a lot of years. I don’t know if that’s going to be the same after the past couple of weeks,” said Senter. “I hope we can mend some fences because we have a transition to work through.”
Chuck Ripley, D-1
“The voter turn out was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. I feel really good about it. The next four years I’m not going to feel like the Lone Ranger. There have been times when I did.”
“There are some things we need to do in house first before we tackle some bigger things. We need to update the data on our cemetery. We’ve got some issues in our two mile area with zoning and permits and such. We have to do more long range planning, five or ten years rather than just four.”
Wayne Smith, D-3
“I really thought the race would be a lot closer than that. Cheryl (Beatty) is a good gal and she has the best interest of the city at heart, just like myself. I’m just glad I won.”
“Budget and taxes will be a big issue. I’m looking forward to working with Mark. We’re going to sell the city. We’re going to see if we can’t get jobs and industry back to Plymouth.”
Mark Neidig, D-4
“It’s a great feeling and it’s humbling to know that you have the respect of the people in District 4. They are a great bunch of people to get to work for. I’m excited.”
“Obviously we have economic development issues. We may have different methods but I think it’s something that all of us on the council, in city and county government all have to work together on to make it happen. Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican everybody wants to have a good job.”
Mike Delp, at-large
“I just really want to thank everybody who’s helped me. I’m just thankful the city of Plymouth had that kind of faith in me. I’ve got a lot to learn.”
“It’s tough for me to answer right now what I think is the biggest issue facing the city, but I feel like infrastructure is something that’s important to me, staying up with streets, water and sewer.”
Toni Hutchings, clerk
“I’m pleased with the outcome. I worked hard and you can never take anything for granted. I feel like I do a good job. I love my job and I love the city of Plymouth.”
“There are a lot of issues that I’m sure Mark and this Council are going to handle very well. It’s a great day for the city of Plymouth.”