Dexter Village President Wins Re-Election, Trustee Jim Smith Ousted by Newcomer

Shawn Keough retained his seat as president of the Dexter Village Council by a 288-vote margin in the Nov. 6 election, according to unofficial results.

Keough garnerned 1,051 votes to challenger Jim Carson, who received 763 votes.

"I want to thank all the people who voted and supported my campaign," Carson said. "I am very grateful to be part of the first contested election for village president since 1998. The residents had the opportunity to share their voice, and it was very clear what choice they wanted.

"I am still on the village council as a trustee, and I expect to go back to work doing the things I've done for the last nine years as a trustee. I'm happy to serve on the council."

Wednesday morning, Keough expressed gratitude to the community for voting on Election Day.

"I want to thank everyone who came out to support all of the candidates, and I look forward to continuing the work as one of the leaders in our village," Keough said.

In other election-related news, Trustee Jim Smith was narrowly defeated in the trustee race. Dexter resident Julie Knight received 1,033 votes, and trustees Paul Cousins (1,202) and Joe Semifero (910) were also elected. Smith garnered 906 votes.

"My congratulations to Paul Cousins and Joe Semifero on their re-election as trustee and to Julie Knight on her election as a trustee," Smith said in a written statement. "I am pleased that Shawn Keough will have an opportunity to continue leading the council as village president.

"While I am disappointed with not being re-elected as a trustee, I will still be involved in the community, just in different ways. Thank you to those who voted for me and thank you for having allowed me the privilege of serving on the village council."

The official swearing-in ceremony for new members of the board is Nov. 26.

To view a complete list of unofficial result, check out Patch's 2012 election guide.