OXFORD — Political newcomer Ernest “Ed” Knightly squeaked out an election victory over Dana Dillingham and Mark Blaquiere for a seat on the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday.

Knightly received 193 votes to Dillingham’s 189 votes. Blaquiere got 86 votes.

Dillingham said he has asked for a recount, which is expected to take place Wednesday.

“I’m happy with the result and I think I can help the town,” Knightly said from his home Tuesday night.

He said the vote was very tight and he has been advised a recount will take place.

Dillingham said he felt the recount was warranted because of the four-vote spread.

“I’m not surprised by the votes, but I’m disappointed a bit,” he said after the results were counted.

Dillingham said that he has lived in the Oxford Hills most of his life, but Knightly is a well-known lifelong resident of Oxford whose father was fire chief years ago.

“It was an uphill battle,” Dillingham said.

This is the second narrow defeat Dillingham has had for a seat on the Board of Selectmen.

Last year, he faced off with Blaquiere and received 152 votes to Blaquiere’s 162 in a five-way race for two seats on the board. Ultimately, Scott Owens and former Selectman Floyd Thayer won the seats.

Voters also returned longtime SAD 17 Director David Dunn to the school board and Oxford Water District Trustee William Frye to that board.

ldixon@sunmediagroup.net

Former Oxford County Commissioner Caldwell Jackson, second from left, greets Board of Selectmen candidate Dana Dillingham while candidates Mark Blaquiere, center, and Ernest “Ed” Knightly, right, look on at the Oxford Public Safety Building in Oxford on Tuesday.