Kate Lisa reports for Columbia-Greene Media that while Republicans topped initial village election results in Athens, Democrats seem confident that the 46 absentee ballots there could change the outcome of several contests. Republican Mayor Peter Alberti, a Republican, is currently beating Trustee Stephan Bradicich, who ran on the Democratic and Independence party lines, 218 votes to 210 votes. But Alberti expects to lose that eight vote lead after the absentee ballots are counted. “I know which party has the absentees,” Alberti said. “It seems most Democrats are only voting Democrat because they are angry with the way national politics are going. That was the feeling we were getting when were going door-to-door.” Norman Benjamin Jr., who ran on the Norman Benjamin line, also received 24 votes in this election, and could receive absentee votes, though not enough to win. For trustee in Athens, Republicans Robert Scott, who got 244 votes, and Shannon Spinner, who received 220 votes, lead for two seats, but Joshua Lipsman, who ran on the Democratic and Independence party lines, is only seven votes behind with 213. And Amy Serrago, who also appeared on the Democratic and Independence tickets, is four behind him, with 209 votes. “I think Athens is a wonderful place to serve, and if elected, I am really looking forward to being on the village board of trustees,” Lipsman said. “The vote is very close. I enjoyed the heck out of campaigning and if elected, I’ll look forward to eagerly serving this wonderful village.” Serrago was also hopeful. “We’ve got a nail-biter,” she said. “I’m really proud of the effort we put forward. I met a lot of neighbors I didn’t know and had conversations with neighbors I did know that were enlightening. I’m looking forward to serving the village, even if I’m not on the board.” Kate Lisa reports for Columbia-Greene Media