Six important results from last night's Metro Detroit elections

By Jonathan Oosting | MLive.com

November 04, 2009, 7:34AM

File photoCharles Pugh
1. Charles Pugh wins council president: After he topped the August primary, many assumed Pugh was a lock for council president.  But he took a beating in the media the last few weeks because he's facing foreclosure on his Brush Park condo.  Both the Detroit News and Free Press revoked their endorsements.  Nonetheless, the former Fox 2 anchor took home the top spot.

2.  Tom Barrow made it a race: Coupling fiery populist rhetoric with a non-stop ground campaign, Tom Barrow managed to pull in 42 percent of the vote.  Three months ago, that would have sounded impossible, as Barrow received only 11 percent of the vote in the August primary.  While Barrow pulled it off, unhappiness with Mayor Dave Bing over cuts to city service probably fueled the vote.

3. Ecorse Mayor Herbert Worthy wins re-election by 15 votes: Despite federal bribery, conspiracy and fraud charges, Herbert Worthy managed to win re-election in Ecorse.  Oh, and did we mention the state last week declared Ecorse in a state of emergency and sent a financial manger to help right the ship?  Nonetheless, Worthy topped challenger Larry Salisbury by 15 votes out of more than 1,600.

4. Macomb County goes executive: In a historic vote, Macomb County residents approved a new charter that will overhaul the county government.  That change starts at the top, with the creation of an elected executive position.  The charter will strip power from the Board of Commissioners, halving it by the start of 2011.  Surprisingly, the proposal passed with 60 percent of the vote.

5. Royal Oak says no to liquor license moratorium: Royal Oak has a lot of bars.  Outsiders love them, but the constant party can be tiresome for residents.  Nonetheless, 66 percent of voters said no to a moratorium on liquor license transfers.  Already, more than 40 businesses have liquor licenses in the city -- the state guideline -- and the number could continue to rise if new licenses are transferred in.

6.  Ken Cockrel Jr. finishes fourth: Ken Cockrel Jr. didn't just lose his position as Detroit City Council President, he finished in fourth behind newcomers Charles Pugh, Gary Brown and Saunteel Jenkins.  The finish marks another step on the ladder Cockrel seems to be climbing down slowly.  This time last year he was mayor, but through little fault of his own, his former proximity to the likes of Kwame Kilpatrick and Monica Conyers seems to have hurt his stock.