Ginny Dickey is poised to take over the Office of Mayor for the Town of Fountain Hills come December.

Unofficial numbers from the election on Sept. 3 have Dickey with 4,233 votes to 3,771 votes for Cecil Yates, a percentage margin of about 53 to 47.

There were 8,056 ballots cast in the mayor’s race.

“It will be my honor to serve as Mayor of Fountain Hills,” Dickey said. “I appreciate the efforts of those who came before me and were my colleagues, and the chance now to help chart a course that reflects a shared vision for our community.

“Working with the council, our many public and private sector partners, staff and residents, we will address the challenges and opportunities together to identify solutions and instill confidence in leadership regardless of our political, social or economic differences. Thank you.”

Yates did not respond to a request from The Times for comment.

In the race for the three available town council seats, former Times Editor Mike Scharnow received the most votes with 4,065 (20 percent). He was followed by political newcomer David Spelich with 3,868 (19 percent) and incumbent Alan Magazine, who received 3,664 (18 percent).

The numbers for the remaining three candidates are Sharron Grzybowski (3,079), Gerry Fridel (2,842) and Marcus Bulow von Dennewitz (2,839).

“I’m both honored and humbled by the overwhelming response I received from voters,” Scharnow said. “It’s a cliché, but I do look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work on the many issues facing the town.

“It won’t be easy, but I’m hoping the dust will settle and we can all work together to improve the Town of Fountain Hills. I’m particularly proud of the positive campaign we ran, and I intend to carry that theme forward as we struggle through debates and differences.

“Thanks to all who placed their trust in me. It’s a responsibility I won’t take lightly.”

“I am truly overwhelmed and humbled by the support I’ve received from the citizens of Fountain Hills”, Magazine said. “I look forward to working with our citizens to address the many challenges we face as a town.”

Spelich said the citizens of Fountain Hills have spoken.

“I am honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of participating in leading the town to a new horizon,” Spelich said. “Regardless of who you voted for, I am here to represent all of the people of Fountain Hills.”

Grzybowski and Bulow von Dennewitz expressed their appreciation to the voters who supported them.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the honor of being your candidate for Town Council,” Grzybowski said. “The Campaign has been a complete blur of activity and excitement. I have appreciated the invitations to speak at your meetings and into your homes. I’ve loved the opportunities you’ve given me to chat with you over coffee. Most of all, I’ve loved hearing your stories about the town and your wonderful ideas. It’s obvious that we all care deeply for Fountain Hills. I have enjoyed the passion you brought to our conversations.”

“Running for council was an adventure that afforded the chance to meet a lot of great people,” Bulow von Dennewitz said. “I understood that I was a long shot and unknown and suspected I would lose but wanted to give the people a chance to vote for someone with a tangible background in accounting, finance, and audit.

“The residents chose others more qualified and I am happy for those who won. The town is in good hands.”

There is no need for a council runoff in November as three candidates received the required 50 percent of the vote for each available seat.

The election results will remain unofficial until the Town Council receives final results and holds a canvass vote. There is a special meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 11, in which the canvass will be considered.

County Recorder Adrian Fontes apologized to voters for delays in getting more than 60 polling places open on time Tuesday morning. In Fountain Hills, election officials at the Community Center reported two delays due to malfunctioning ballot printers. One was first thing in the morning and the second around mid-day.

The total delay time was said to be 60 to 90 minutes. It is not known how many people failed to vote due to the delays.