Capping an intense election season in a city struggling to balance its budget, Ypsilanti voters on Tuesday tapped Paul Schreiber as their next mayor.

A newcomer to elected office though active on city boards, Schreiber accepted his win by pledging to work with residents to lead the city out of its financial problems.

"I'm really grateful for the support I received,'' Schreiber said. "I will be calling on them to work together to go to Lansing and ask the state for more funds.''

Schreiber defeated political newcomer Steve Pierce and Council Member Lois Richardson in Tuesday's Democratic primary to succeed Mayor Cheryl Farmer, who decided against seeking a fourth term.

Schreiber received 1,036 votes, Pierce, 861, and Richardson, 455. About 22 percent of the city's 11,954 registered voters cast ballots Tuesday. All results are unofficial.

Without a Republican or independent candidate on the November general election ballot for the mayor's race, the Democratic primary winner is expected to take the seat.

Also Tuesday, voters returned two incumbents to the council and elected Brian Robb to replace Council Member Barry LaRue, D-3rd Ward, who did not seek re-election. Robb defeated Rod Johnson.

The election of Schreiber and returning of two incumbents to the council indicates that residents don't blame the current leadership for the city's problems, said Charles Monsma, a political science professor at Eastern Michigan University who monitors local elections. "I see it as a continuation of the current policies,'' he said.

Monsma said Pierce worked really hard and focused on the income tax, but because residents are not voting on the tax this year, it did not motivate the voters. "Turnout makes all the difference,'' Monsma said.

About 2,665 voters cast ballots Tuesday. The election was the hottest primary in years in Ypsilanti. The candidates held more than 10 debates, attracting thousands of people.

Schreiber, 52, who is an engineer, said it was a hard campaign, but his message of preserving core services and working with residents to solve the city's problems resonated with the voters.

City administrators are forecasting an $800,000 deficit next year. The city blames financial problems on slow growth in property tax, dwindling state assistance and the increasing cost of delivering services.

Pierce, 43, said he received a lot of support.

"We have a lot to learn (about elections),'' said Pierce, a business owner and Internet entrepreneur. "I still have two companies to run.''

Richardson, 63, said she plans to continue serving on the council and to be outspoken and stand for what is right. "Best wishes to the winner,'' she said.

In Ward 1, Mayor Pro Tem Trudy Swanson defeated Juanita House and David Kircher to retain her seat on the council for a fourth four-year term. She received 348 votes. House received 206 votes and Kircher, 136.

Swanson said it was a challenging campaign and she looks forward to representing her ward and working with the council to improve the city. "I feel wonderful,'' she said.

House said it was a very good election and she hopes the council will adopt some of the new ideas brought up during the campaign. "My congratulations to the winner,'' she said.

Kircher said the people voted for the status quo. "It's their right,'' he said.

In Ward 2, Council Member William Nickels defeated John Bailey. He will face independent Peter Hubbard and Libertarian Tom Bagwell in the November general election. Nickels is seeking a third four-year term and received 670 votes. Bailey received 291.

Nickels said people seem to be happy with his service in Ward 2, and they gave their support. "I'm really gratified,'' he said.

Bailey could not be reached for a comment.

In Ward 3, Robb narrowly defeated Johnson to replace LaRue. Robb could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Robb received 306 votes; Johnson received 294.

Johnson said he was disappointed with the results but will continue working to improve the city.

"I am shocked that I lost,'' Johnson said. "I thought I ran a very good race.''

Khalil E. Hachem can be reached at khachem@annarbornews.com or 734-482-3225.