By Sarah Cormier
C & G Staff Writer

MOUNT CLEMENS — It seems as though every vote counts in Mount Clemens.

Results from the May 6 Mount Clemens Community Schools Board of Education election showed that two of the candidates were within three votes of each other, while another two were only 12 votes apart.

Five candidates were vying for two open spots on the board. A term lasts for four years. Incumbent Greg Murray ran again while Trustee Nancy Mitchell decided to end her term.

Filling the two vacant seats are Sallie Miller, who got the most votes at 821; and Shelby Money, who received 716 votes. Miller garnered 23.8 percent of the vote and Money 20.8 percent

In third place was Sabina Turner, who earned 713 votes or 20.7 percent, just three behind Money. Murray received 701 votes, or 20,3 percent, losing by only 12 votes to Turner and by only 15 to get back on the board. The last-place finisher was Malcolm Newton, who got 497 votes, or 14.4 percent.

Turner said that she is considering asking for a recount since she and Money’s vote count is so close.

“I am disappointed with the results,” she said. “In all honesty, I do believe that my platform was strong and I really did believe that I would be in the top two.”

Murray said that he is sad he didn’t get re-elected, but not surprised. He said that issues residents had with his vote on the Murphy House demolition, as well as conflict with state Rep. Fred Miller, hindered his chances.

“It was a close race and I think I did pretty well considering all that I was running against,” he said.

Murray, who currently acts as president of the school board and has been on it for four years, said that he is proud of all that he achieved during his tenure, which will end on June 30.

“I’m most proud of what I accomplished these four years,” he said, citing his involvement in the Cairns Field project, his work to increase the grade point average standards for district athletes, and his encouragement of the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Program at the middle school level.

He added that he still worries about other issues the district is facing and will remain active in the community.

“I can advocate for some of these things on the other side of the microphone,” he said.

Newton didn’t have much to say about the election, just that he thought it was good that the residents had so many different candidates to choose from.

At press time, Sallie Miller and Shelby Money had not returned phone calls.