Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris won re-election on April 13, as city voters also approved a ballot measure extending the mayoral term to four years from two years. Parris, an attorney first elected in 2008, received more than 7,000 votes in the field of five candidates. The closest challenger was Arnold A. Rodio who received 4,500 votes. In the City Council contest, Ron Smith, who serves as vice mayor, and Marvin E. Crist were the top vote getters out of the six candidates. Voters approved a ballot measure to extend the mayoral term to four years starting with the election in 2012. Voters also approved the council continuing its practice of an invocation at the start of its meetings; and Lancaster becoming a home rule charter city. Mark R. Madler
