Running on his record seemed to work just fine for Jeff Starsky in his bid for re-election to the Folsom City Council. Ernie Sheldon was narrowly edging out Rosemary Younts for the council’s vacant seat in early election returns.

Unavailable for comment on election night, Starsky’s campaign focused on his record with the city and sound fiscal policies.

When Mayor Eric King decided he would not seek re-election, Sheldon tossed his hat in the ring to replace him.

At 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night, the Sacramento County Elections Office put Ernie less than 3 percentage points ahead of Younts.

“It’s a good way to start out,” Sheldon said. “We did (our campaign) on the beer budget because that’s what we had. I’m positive about the outcome.”

Surrounded by campaign volunteers, family and friends at his home on election night, Sheldon said Starsky ran a good, clean campaign.

“It was a pretty good race as far as being negative goes. I thought Starsky ran a very good race. I knew he’d be hard to beat,” he said.

Tom Handy, one of Sheldon’s supporters, was optimistic as the group watched election returns.

“I supported Ernie because he’s going to do what’s best for the community of Folsom,” Handy said.

Others vying for the seats were Michael Gordon and John Arnaz, both on the city Planning Commission. They came in fourth and fifth, respectively.

Starsky has served on the council since his election in 2000 and did a turn as mayor from 2001-2002.

Meanwhile at City Slickers bar on Natoma Street in Folsom, Bart Brown of Folsom said he supported Gordon and Sheldon.

“I liked Ernie because he’s older and put a lot of years in at the parks. I feel he was more fiscally responsible for the small items in the city,” Brown said. “I voted for Gordon because he’s the opposite. I feel he won’t spend a dime.”

He said he didn’t vote for Starsky because he thought it was time for a change.

See the Telegraph next week for full election roundup coverage.

Up to date Sacramento County election results