Key Colony Beach voters turned out Tuesday to put the small city's vice mayor back into office, along with a rookie politician best known for establishing a boat patrol to deter thieves.

Geraldine Zahn, elected to her second term Tuesday, said she believed she prevailed because people were happy with the way the commission has been operating.

"I would say the numbers show the residents are very happy with the way the commission has been working to this point," Zahn said.

Zahn pulled in the highest vote total -- 218 -- in the at-large election, in which the two highest vote-getters fill the two vacant seats.

"I would like to thank everybody that came out and voted," Zahn said. As for the future, Zahn said the budget would remain a priority, as it is everywhere, but there are other considerations. "One of the major challenges will be keeping our sewer system up to date and within budget."

The second-highest vote-getter in Tuesday's election was newcomer John DeNeale, with 193 votes.

DeNeale, a veteran with 22-years service in the Navy, said he was drawn into the race as he got more involved in other aspects of the community he moved to five years ago.

"I started helping out my neighbors with issues, including storm water and beginning a boat patrol," DeNeale said. "The neighbors talked me into [running for office]."

DeNeale said he wasn't looking to change anything as the new person on the commission.

"I hope to try to add some of my experience," he said. "I worked with budgets in the Navy for 20 years. I'm happy to serve my community, as I served my country."

The third person on the ballot, Seneca "Tucker" DeGraw, finished with 154 votes.

Degraw, who had the highest vote total when he was elected to the commission in 2008, served three terms on the city commission dating back to 2002.

There are 797 registered voters in Key Colony Beach, and -- including absentees -- 328 ballots were cast in Tuesday's election.