Last Updated on February 15, 2024, 11:10 AM | Published: February 15, 2024
For the first time in 30 years, the City of Moore has elected a new mayor.
With Mayor Glenn Lewis stepping out of this election cycle and leaving the seat open for the first time in decades, two candidates hoped to continue the Moore’s unique legacy.
Mark Hamm, longtime Moore councilmember, defeated Parks and Rec Board Member Jeff Arvin in the February 13 mayoral election.
With all precincts reporting, Hamm received 56.8% of the vote and Arvin picked up 43.2%.
Hamm’s campaign focused on improving Moore’s infrastructure, promoting public safety, and maintaining the City’s quality of life.
Infrastructure being a primary concern of many in the City, Hamm plans on rebuilding Moore’s water system and continually improving major roadways, adding walking trails and bike lanes when possible to make the city more walkable.
“As your next Mayor, I will work hard to listen and keep citizens informed about construction projects and updates,” Hamm had written on mailed campaign advertisements.
Key endorsements from Mayor Glenn Lewis and Moore’s Firefighter Union leading up to the February 13 election offered Hamm additional support.
After the votes came in, Hamm made a Facebook announcement to all who helped him achieve Moore’s mayoral office.
“I am so thankful to everyone who helped make this happen. This is not something I could have done alone.”
Ward 2 councilmember Melissa Hunt commended Hamm’s efforts on the City council and congratulated him for his successful campaign.
“I’ve served with Mark for many years on the council, and he will do great things for Moore in his new role,” Hunt said in a Facebook post after the results were certified.
Ward 2 election
Mark Hamm’s former seat as the City’s Ward 2 councilmember went up for grabs once he declared his campaign for mayor, and voters overwhelmingly came out for candidate Rob Clark.
Moore Public School department director Rob Clark ended up ahead of former fireman Tommy Lawrence by a considerable 19% on Tuesday, ultimately ending the night with 59.6% of the vote.
Hunt also wrote about her new co-councilmember representing Ward 2.
“And a big shout-out to our newest Ward 2 Council Member, Rob Clark. I’m excited to work with Rob in Ward 2.”
Moore’s Ward 2 covers the northernmost portion of the City, and spans the entire width of the City.
Redistricting in 2022 added significantly more of Old town to the Ward and balanced the population based on 2020 census data.
Damian Powell is our government reporter for the smaller municipalities in the OKC metro such as Moore, Norman, Bethany, and Warr Acres. Damian is studying Political Science at the University of Oklahoma.
