Democrats sent a strong message to voters in the Collar City, coming away with a mayoral seat, keeping control of the council and holding on to the DA's spot. Matt Hunter tells why "everything's coming up Rosamilia in Troy."

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TROY, N.Y. -- "The mayor of Troy, Lou Rosamilia!"

After a three-month campaign that got off to a late start in August, Democrat Lou Rosamilia is the new mayor-elect in the City of Troy. The longtime accounting professor and two-year Rensselaer County legislator defeated Republican Carmella Mantello by a near 900-vote margin.

"exhilaration, excitement, and thankfulness for the voters of Troy to have the confidence in me to lead our city forward," Rosamilia.

Heading into election night, polls gave Rosamilia only a slim lead - much smaller than the near 10 percent he won by. On top of his victory, Democrats won eight of nine city council races, increasing their stronghold on the city's governing body by one seat.

"Breath of fresh air," said Kevin McGrath (D) Troy City Council District 1. "Looking forward to getting things done and accomplish things. I'm really proud of the at-large candidates and Lou, and it's a great day."

For the first time since before the Harry Tutunjian administration, Democrats control both the mayor's office and council. While some believe that will lead to more getting accomplished at city hall, Rosamilia said he's ready to work with all comers.

"We're going to work together as a team, regardless of political backgrounds. We're going to pull together and were' going to make this a team that's going to go forward and just make the City of Troy a better place for people," Rosamilia said.

But before Rosamillia can get to work on revitalizing the Collar City, he has at least one more thing to accomplish first: make it to his 8 a.m. Accounting class Wednesday morning.

"Lou said he would be in class tomorrow at 8 o'clock. He's probably a half hour past his bedtime, and there's probably a few more papers he needs correct so we will be going home shortly," said the mayor-elect's wife, Peg Rosamilia.

Rosamilia said, "I'm not sure I'll get any sleep, but I guarantee you I'll be there for my students tomorrow morning at 8 a.m."