Gunter re-elected as Salinas’ mayor

UPDATE 11/9/16 1:25 PM: Salinas Mayor Joe Gunter was re-elected Tuesday night, defeating businessman Amit Pandya.

Gunter ended up with about 68 percent of the vote and Pandya grabbed 32 percent.

PREVIOUS STORY: A key local race this year is for Salinas’ mayoral seat.

The two men facing off, incumbent Joe Gunter, who has held the position since 2012, and businessman Amit Pandya, a long time Salinas resident.

They met for several rounds of debate in recent months. Gunter has said the city is on the right track under his leadership and he wants time to do more. But Pandya said he’s frustrated with slow-coming changes.

Both candidates say they expect good results tonight.

“I’m pretty confident that I will be the mayor of Salinas come tonight,” Pandya said.

“I believe I’ve done a good job and will continue to do a good job when I’m re-elected,” Gunter said.

Gunter said one of the first initiatives he plans to work on will be building digital centers for young people in Salinas.

Pandya said his first 100 days in office will be implementing his public safety plans.