Long-time city commissioner Tim Helbling is Mandan's new mayor defeating Rick Parkes by more than 300 votes in Tuesday's municipal election.

The Mandan City Commission will now have to make a decision on who will replace Helbling who still has two years remaining as a commissioner. The final vote had Helbling with 1,294 votes (56.9 percent) and Parkes with 974 votes (42.83 percent).

"One of the first things I will have to do is resign my position (as commissioner) and the commission will have to decide how to fill the commission seat," Helbling said.

Helbling said he didn't do a lot of campaigning for mayor and feels his past record stood for itself.

"I've always felt that an incumbent should go off his past record and shouldn't have to do a lot of campaigning. I put up a lot of signs, talked to a lot of people, but I didn't do a lot of door-to-door trying to convince people of my position," Helbling said.

Parkes said there were no surprises in his campaign and he well understands the political process.

"What kind of surprised me is that the status quo remains the status quo in Mandan," Parkes said. "Mandan has elected Tim as its mayor and I want to congratulate him. I just want to say, 'Go, Tim, have a great run.'"

Helbling feels that the election, in which incumbent Sandra Tibke was re-elected along with newcomer Thomas Jackson, was a good sign that the people of Mandan are confident in the direction the city commission is taking the community.

"I'm elated Sandy won because that brings a lot of stability. One thing I was worried about was the learning curve of new commissioners and I think with Sandy and Thomas Jackson we won't have much of a problem," Helbling said. "I think Thomas Jackson is going to do a phenomenal job and he will bring a lot of common sense and drive."

In his campaign, Helbling said he heard a lot of positive comments and people are seeing the differences in Main Street, the residential growth and are pleased with the events.

"People do want a place to buy their jeans, socks and underwear. We need a larger retail store and then we'll be home free. That should be the next thing we work on," Helbling concluded.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@bismarcktribune.com.)