Independent Candidate Douglas Walter Drazen came in a close second when he ran for Binghamton Mayor in 2005.

This time around, a distant third.

The Independent candidate ran on the same platform, to make Binghamton the cleanest, safest city in Upstate New York.

Drazen watched returns with family and friends tonight at his home on Vermont Avenue in Binghamton...

And says he's thankful to everyone who helped during his campaign.

"I enjoyed really every aspect of the campaign, of course. Not winning wasn't that enjoyable. But I really appreciate everything everybody was able to do who signed petitions, put lawn signs in their yard, carried petitions, made phone calls, walked the streets for us. Signed the checks and donated money. A lot of people put their necks out for us, went out on a limb, believed in the message. Help me fight. We fought hard. We fought honorably. But we fell short and now the fight's over," said Drazen.