Gardiner voters returned one incumbent and elected two newcomers to the three at-large seats on the city’s governing body Tuesday in citywide voting.

Jon Ault, who has served one term on the council, will serve two more years. He was the top vote-getter in the race, with 1,320 votes, according to unofficial election night results. The 31-year-old co-owner of Honeysuckle Way Flower Farm and part-time employee at the Gardiner Food Co-op and Cap N’ Stem Mushroom Co. has supported investing in economic development.

“I’m proud of the positive, fact-based and policy-driven campaign that we ran,” Ault said Wednesday. “And I am grateful for the message of support that was given to me from the voters. I look forward to offering my continued assistance in developing and leveraging Gardiner’s unique assets for future growth and enhanced livability.”

Timothy Cusick, 54, earned 1,269 votes as a first-time candidate. He is a superintendent for operations at the Maine Department of Transportation, and he started his working life as an employee of the city of Gardiner. He supports economic development along the outer Brunswick Avenue corridor.

Cusick said he wanted to thank the Gardiner residents for voting for him.

“I will work hard for them to keep the city moving forward,” he said.

Maryann White, 49, got 1,093 votes. She teaches middle school mathematics at Lawrence Junior High in Fairfield. She said she wants the best for the city and supports meaningful incentives to attract and retain business.

“I am thankful and grateful for the chance to serve my city on the City Council,” White said Wednesday. “I am looking forward to working with the other members on the City Council, the mayor and the city manager for the good of Gardiner. I will do my absolute best to continue to move our city forward and will always be open to communication with any and all constituents.”

Thom Harnett was elected to a second term as mayor, with 2,643 votes; he ran unopposed.

In all, seven candidates sought the three at-large seats up for election. Two incumbents, two former council members and three people who have never before sought elective office opted to run.

Newcomer Matthew Marshall got 997 votes; former councilor George Trask, 911; incumbent Councilor Maureen Blanchard, 831; and former councilor William Barron, 690.

Scott Williams, Gardiner’s third incumbent at-large council member, decided not to seek re-election. He opted instead to challenge Rep. Gay Grant, D-Gardiner, for the House District 83 seat.

The race highlighted different approaches to city policy on economic development.

Ault has said he favors smart growth for Gardiner that follows the city’s master plan, which relies on public input to outline development priorities for the city.

Cusick would like to see more development on the outer Brunswick Avenue corridor, and that is one of the areas identified in Gardiner’s current master plan for future development.

White said she favors meaningful incentives to retain and attract business to Gardiner.

Gardiner is divided into four wards, which each elect one representative to the council. The Gardiner City Council also has three at-large councilors, who represent the entire city.

Gardiner’s mayor and City Council members serve two-year terms.

Jessica Lowell — 621-5632

jlowell@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @JLowellKJ