By Mary Whitfill
Features Editor

With May’s primary election day just around the corner, some Coppell residents have more on their minds than just the next possible GOP candidate. Threatening a large change in city government, fivecity council seats, including the mayoral position, are up for grabs.

Though four council seats (2,4,6 and 7) are up for reelection, two council members will keep their seat as they are running unopposed. Bob Mahalik will keep his Place 2 seat and Marvin Franklin will retain Place 6. Mahalik is a three year council member and 17 year resident, and Franklin is a six year council member and 12 year resident.

Leaving Place 4, Marsha Tunnell is running for Mayor, leaving her seat open to two council hopefuls. Candidates for Place 4 are 16 year resident Gary Roden and six year resident Davin Bernstein.

Also leaving her place for a bid for mayor is Place 7 occupant Karen Hunt. Two new council hopefuls are running in the special election to take her place; 19 year resident Greg Garcia and four year resident Aaron Duncan.

Both mayoral candidates, Tunnell and Hunt are active members of the community and have served on council.

Tunnell has been on the council since 1995 and Hunt has served since 2008. Both candidates report that they are in a position to give the time needed to be a strong mayor for the city.

Coppell residents can cast their vote May 12 at Coppell Town Center.