Farmington residents voted for change Tuesday, narrowly ousting first-time mayor Dave Connors from office for a political newcomer, Scott C. Harbertson.

Harbertson won by 232 votes, receiving 1,689 votes to Connors' 1,457.

Voter turnout in Farmington was higher than normal — something attributed to the close mayor's race and the use of new electronic voting machines in the city, said recorder Margie Lomax. Lomax reported no problems with the machines, which debuted in the October primary.

Said Harbertson: "I'm really excited. It's going to be a tough road. I've never been in the political arena before. I have a lot to learn. Hopefully my mistakes will be few."

As mayor, Harbertson, 48, will take the helm of a city in flux. Farmington is known for being a bedroom community, but in the next five years, projects are planned that will more than double the city's commercial spaces.

One project, called the Village at Old Farm, has been particularly divisive. Over the past year, a small group of residents has fought against the project, saying a proposed mixed-use zoning designation for the area allows too much commercial building.

Harbertson, a businessman with no political experience, says he is prepared to guide the planning and direction of the planned commercial developments.

He will have the advantage of working with an experienced City Council.

Tuesday, one incumbent council member, David S. Hale, 58, was able to retain his seat. Susan Tanner Holmes lost to newcomer Paula Alder by 198 votes.

Hale, an independent insurance broker, received 1,626 votes. Alder received 1,600.

Connors was disappointed with the loss but said the city would be in good hands. "He's got a good council going forward, and Scott's a good man," said Connors. "I will certainly try to stay involved in any way that's appropriate."

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