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CUERO – Independent business owner Randy Saenz has been elected the new mayor of Cuero.

Saenz outpolled former police chief W.T. “Tony” Allen with 59 percent of the vote in an election that featured a heavier-than-usual turnout. More than 1,700 voters went to the polls, including more than 1,300 during the early voting period. About 500 more people voted than went to the polls in 2007 when five candidates sought two at-large city council seats.

Saenz was pleased with the outcome that saw him earn 1,042 votes to 719 for Allen.

“I am very excited,” Saenz said after the totals were announced. “I am hoping to set a good example for the city of Cuero and do the best I can. I was nervous to the very end.”

Saenz campaigned vigorously for the office after spending eight years on the city council.

“I think the people were ready for a change,” he added. “I think we can do that as a whole community. I want to get the whole community involved.”

Allen, who also served on the city council for five years until resigning to run for mayor, was a member of the Cuero Police Department for more than 30 years.

“It’s over and I came out on the short end of the stick,” said Allen. “Some of the voters I was counting on didn’t get out and vote.”

Current mayor W.L. “Buzz” Edge did not seek re-election.