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DEFERIET, N.Y. -- He didn't actively campaign and his name wasn't even on the ballot, but former Deferiet Mayor John Pais is once again the village's mayor-elect. Pais said he found out Tuesday night that he received as many as 58 write-in votes to current Mayor Robert Foster's 29 votes.

The mayor-elect is no stranger to village politics. He previously served in the post for 18 years. Pais said several people told him they planned to vote for him and he also wrote in his name. Still, the news was unexpected.

"Very surprised, and I'm very thankful to the people that did it and showed confidence in myself. I don't know if there's any disappointment on what's any of the administration now, but I guess I'm happy that they have faith in me, anyway," said Pais.

Pais is currently the executive director of the housing authority. He said he hasn't decided whether he will accept the position. If he does, he said the joint water consolidation project with village of Herrings will be a priority.

Mayor Foster did not immediately return requests for comment.