BURKBURNETT, Texas (KAUZ) - The contested mayoral race in Burkburnett is in full swing. Incumbent mayor Lori Kemp is being challenged for the position by Marguerite Love.

Both candidates shared why they believe they’re the best fit for the position.

“I by no means think I’m the smartest person in the room, but I think collaboration is really important in order for us to be a city that grows and prospers,” Kemp said.

“It’s important for me to become Mayor of Burkburnett because I believe that the citizens deserve what I can bring. As far as the collaboration, being able to work with others, and then just being honest and genuine and kind, and just wanting others to succeed,” Love said.

Love has served as a Burkburnett City Commissioner for 13 years.

She said recently she’s noticed the need for improvements in teamwork.

“There’s a lot of progress that can happen, but when you can’t work together, then that just kind of stalls everything out. People lose their enthusiasm, and that’s the people who sit on the council, the staff, the citizens,” She said.

Kemp said that since being in the mayor’s seat, there have been a number of improvements in the community.

“Changing what we really need in the city. In terms of experience, we’ve brought on a Civil Engineer who is now running the water department. We’ve brought on a new City Manager for administration and is our Chief Financial Advisor,” She said.

A mayor is held accountable for a number of responsibilities, including working with the city council, the city manager, and other municipal officials.

“The citizens of Burkburnett choose, that’s who the team is. Whether that’s me or someone else or whether that’s the commissioners I’ve served with or someone else,” Kemp said.

“I collaborated with the three other candidates because they do bring a lot to the table,” Love said.

If elected as mayor, Love is hoping to bring different elements to engage the community in the decisions being made.

“Our meetings need to be televised, they need to be just like Wichita Falls, where you can look at it now or later. The thought process is that nothing is going on or nothing is happening, and that’s not always true,” she said.

And if re-elected, Kemp is hoping to continue to improve the community.

“Honesty and transparency, they can expect to know what’s going on. I fought against a lot of our council members for doing things like our town. We’ve been doing those consistently this year, trying to make sure everyone is aware of what’s going on in the city,” Kemp said.

Early voting ends April 29. For more information on Burkburnett elections, click here .