Stockton residents are waiting to see whether their embattled mayor can withstand today's election challenge.

Voters are divided over whether to reward Mayor Dan Rydalch for what many see as a lifetime commitment to the small Tooele County town. Some believe it's time for him to go, especially after he suspended a police officer who gave his son a traffic ticket. The officer was reinstated by the Town Council.

The mayor plowed roads and repaired the town's water system years before he was elected, according to sympathetic voter Jack Hollien.

"He didn't expect to get paid," Hollien said. "He done it for us."

A few people in the small lunch crowd at Stockton Miner's Cafe likewise said they're sticking with the mayor because of his long ties to the community.

Others around town said they're ready for a change, and not just because of the mayor's suspension of the officer.

"I kind of doubt he would have been re-elected anyway," Ronnalee Hessord said. "Mayor Rydalch has his supporters, but a lot of people wanted change."

Councilman Mark Whitney is challenging the mayor. Stockton voters cast their ballots by mail before today.