Voters in the city of Portsmouth voted Tuesday, December 7th in a special election to recall Mayor Jane Murray only 11 months after she took office. By default, Portsmouth City Council President David Malone will take over at mayor. Murray now has until December 21 to vacate the office. Once Murray vacates the office, Malone will be sworn-in.

Murray acknowledged in comments after the election, she has been controversial in her time as mayor.

"I've tried to be bold and move quickly because the problems are so pervasive. I think some have used that as a misinformation campaign that has not helped. There are those who did not want me to be in the office from the beginning," Murray said. "I wish the city good luck."

Murray said she stands behind the decisions she has made during her time as mayor.

"I stand behind every decision I’ve made and I have been working on some complicated things and do not think they will move forward, that's unfortunate because I think they would have benefited the city," Murray said.

Tom Bihl, organizer of the recall efforts said he was pleased with the way the special election played out. "I think it's a shame it had to come to a recall. In this case I thought it was necessary," Bihl said. "I do not believe in recalls. I think recalls have been used to much in the past, mostly for the wrong reasons."

He said this recall happened for the right reason to, "try to get the city straightened out and get this mess cleaned up," Bihl said.

Malone said he will arrange a meeting with city solicitor to see what his options are.

"The first couple of things we have to take a look at is, putting together a budget for council and meeting with department heads and employees," Malone said. "We want to build the moral and encourage them (city employees) to do the work they do and I will give them my support and vote of confidence."

Malone said there has been meetings to talk about the formulation of the budget.

"One of the things we were looking at was the water rate increase, that's already taken place. We will have to see what other options and opportunities we can work with," Malone said.

Malone believes he has the perfect personality to follow the Murray administration. "I think I have a good rapport with people, I think we will be able to rally everyone together and get things moving forward," Malone said.

In the end 1978 votes were casted for the recall and 1145 votes were casted against the recall. The special election brought out a 26 percent voter turnout.

The Scioto County Board of Elections will meet at 10 a.m. to certify the ballots.