The Village of Empire had the closest race out of all county elections Tuesday as former President Dan Davis edged incumbent Sue Palmer 154 to 150.
The winning margin of .97% had a close four vote finish with two write-in votes casted.
“That’s a pretty darn tight race and I thought it would be tight. I didn’t know how it was going to come out. Congratulations to Sue as well for a great race,” Davis said.
Davis heard the news after the Enterprise called him Tuesday morning. The former and new president is excited to address issues and find solutions.
“I would like to say congratulations to Dan and he’s got my support going forward,” Palmer said. “I would like to thank the village residents for their support. I had a lot of favorable comments on what I did in the past and I thank them for the support.”
Both Davis and Palmer expressed discontent with a previous Enterprise article that labeled the race as a “grudge match.”
Both candidates reiterated that no matter the results of the vote they have and will always remain friends.
Seven candidates vied for three trustee spots Tuesday.
Ella Skrocki, 29, won the popular vote with over 20% (179 votes) to be elected to the board for the first time. Skrocki was not available for comment as of press time.
Trustee incumbents Maggie Bacon and Linda Chase also won reelection with 150 and 136 votes, respectively.
“I’m grateful to the village for having that kind of faith in me,” Bacon said. “I want to see the master plan updated and we have a focus on what the village can do in terms of implementing a master plan and economic development.”
Chase is excited for another four years.
“There’s a lot to do,” she said. Chase will be looking forward to addressing topics like shortterm rentals and wastewater treatment in the coming months.
Andrew Clements, Teresa Howes and Jessica Shelton were all in contention for the trustee position.
