Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Straughan lost his seat on the Rockwall City Council, but incumbent Margo Nielsen fended off a challenger.

Mark Russo won the Place 2 seat in his second run for council. He lost the 2006 race for the open Place 4 spot to Cliff Sevier, who was unopposed this year.

Ms. Nielsen defeated newcomer Mary Hanrahan and will serve her second full term. She was appointed to fill an open seat in 2005.

All of the candidates cited controlling taxes in the face of rapid growth as a key issue.

Though Mr. Russo and Ms. Hanrahan conducted independent campaigns, both said they ran because the City Council has cut itself off from residents. They vowed to improve communication and be more responsive to complaints.

Mr. Russo favors restructuring city debt to control taxes, and redevelopment of the Old Town area.

Ms. Nielsen campaigned on her experience. She supports what she terms "reasonable" financial incentives to attract economic development.