By JON BAKER

LINCOLN  --  When reached by cell phone at about 3:45 p.m., Tuesday, Keith Macksoud already had spent over two hours campaigning at the “new” middle school.

“I’m just talking to every voter who comes by and asking them to vote for me,” chuckled Macksoud, 50, a Town Council District 3 incumbent who desperately wanted to hold that seat, one which represents Lime Rock and a section of Fairlawn. “At this point, I feel positive about what’s happening. People have come up to me and said, ‘You came to my house and told me what you stand for, and I liked what you had to say.’ That’s why I’m feeling pretty good. I know 50 percent of the voters in this precinct (at the middle school) have already turned out, and there’s more than five hours left.”

Shortly after 10:30 p.m., Macksoud -- an Independent who had been seeking re-election -- celebrated a surprisingly close victory over 25-year-old newcomer and Democrat Joseph A.J. Paiva for the District 3 seat with 1,290 votes (54 percent). Paiva stood just 196 behind with 1,094.

“It was closer than I thought it would be,” Macksoud said after the tallies had been finalized. “I think my opponent got a lot of support from Ed O’Neill, not to mention the other Democrats … This means a lot to me, and that a lot of people appreciate the work I’ve done for the town, the way I’ve helped keep things moving forward … Like I said before, I’m going to work on the Financial Town Meeting, and make it more ‘user-friendly’ to the town’s residents.”

Paiva couldn’t be reached for comment.

In the District 1 (Saylesville) race, Arthur (“T.J.”) Russo, 34, outdueled Timothy McMahon, 47. Russo manufactured 1,034 votes (54.7 percent), while McMahon -- like Paiva new on Lincoln’s political scene -- garnered 856. Russo will replace current Town Council President Jeremiah T. O’Grady, who earlier this year decided he wouldn’t seek another term for familial reasons.

Just a few weeks ago, Russo -- for 10 years an attorney with Hobson & Coutu Ltd. In Warwick -- had stated he would address the issue of “the civility of the council.

“I’d like to represent the people, and I have a vast background in law. It’s just instinctual,” he said in late October. “I’ve always loved the town, and I’ve always carried that desire to serve the people.”

In the State Representative race in District 46, Republican William E. McManus snared a close triumph over Democrat Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith. McManus registered 2,835 votes (52 percent), as opposed to Shallcross-Smith’s 2,604.

As for the School Committee, there were three candidates up for election, including Mary Anne Roll, 62, of 11 Lord Fox Run; Julie Zito, 43, of 335 Albion Road; and Deborah Ambeault, 51, of 11 Front St.

Only two at-large seats were available, and Zito and Roll claimed them, the former with 4,782 tallies (44.7 percent) and the latter with 4,088 (38.2 percent). Ambeault provided another close election, garnering 3,892, just 196 behind Roll.

In the District 2 (Lonsdale) race for that school seat, newcomer Tracey Cavanaugh ousted incumbent John Zangari by a 944-763 count.

“I’m certainly gratified for the opportunity to continue as a school committee member, and also to continue the goals we set for ourselves four years ago,” Roll offered. “I’d like to note that John Zangari, who has served so well in District 2/Lonsdale the last four years, will be missed. He gave a great deal of his time and talents to the committee.

“However, we certainly congratulate Tracey Cavanaugh, and we will look forward to working with her on this committee,” she added.

Lincoln residents also chose to approve Question 3 on the ballot: “Shall the Town Administrator serve a four-year term commencing on the first Tuesday of Jan. 2011?” The town approved the item with 5,416 votes (56.1 percent), while 4,236 chose against it. On Question 4, indicating the same four years for council members, it failed by a 59-41 vote (5,671 to 3,954).

It should be noted absentee ballots had yet to be counted. All tallies reported came from Tuesday’s voters.

Republican Jean L. Kay and Democrat Frederick R. Conklin, both of whom ran unopposed, captured respective District 2 and 4 Water Commissioner seats.