FAIRFIELD -- For the first time in two decades, Donald Giroux Sr. will serve as a Town Council member on Jan. 4, when the council convenes for its first meeting of 2010.

Giroux won a five-way race for the two open seats Tuesday, with 1,137 votes.

And then there's Ed Finch. The same Ed Finch who two weeks ago announced he was no longer a candidate for personal reasons, though his decision came too late to remove his name from the ballot.

Finch came in second, with 995 votes, winning him an open seat.

Informed of the vote late Wednesday morning, Finch said he was stunned -- and also in a state of flux.

"This flabbergasts me," said Finch, who made the announcement that he was no longer a candidate during a televised debate.

And so?

"I'm going to keep all my options open," Finch said, "until January. "I'm not going to make my decision until I have to, which is my style anyway."

Robert Sezak finished third with 900 votes. Bruce Harrington and Phil Roy followed with 878 and 770 votes, respectively.

Two days following Finch's announcement, the Morning Sentinel published a story on Oct. 22, informing readers that Finch had dropped out and didn't want residents to vote for him.

But Town Clerk Tracey Stevens said there still was confusion regarding his candidacy, right up until Tuesday's election.

Finch's was the first name on the ballot.

Stevens had not spoken to Finch on Wednesday morning, but she assumed that Finch was going to resign on Jan. 4.

"The council would make an appointment for a one-year term, because of his resignation," Stevens said.

Stevens said the council would not be obliged to appoint Sezak, the third-place finisher.

Giroux, who has been critical of the town's fiscal policies, said he saw many supporters at the polls Tuesday night.

"I'm very happy," said Giroux, who opposes borrowing more money against the fund balance.

Giroux also said he would vote to appoint Sezak to the one-year term, should Finch resign on Jan. 4.

Chairman Richard Spear, leaving the council following 11 years of service, was the only candidate despite two vacancies on the School Administrative District 49 ballot.

Spear received 2,250 votes.

The Town Council will make an attempt to appoint another SAD 49 board member from Fairfield.

Larry Grard -- 861-9239

lgrard@centralmaine.com