Cho watches in the background

Mayoral candidate Augustus Cho enjoyed a quiet dinner at Spice Street with his daughter, Courtney Cho, and his campaign manager Melodie Parrish as he waited for the election results to be announced Tuesday night.

Cho received 217 votes – 2.68 percent of the vote – for Chapel Hill mayor.

Despite the loss, he said he was glad his campaigning brought his platforms – sustainable growth, affordable housing and clear leadership – to the table for discussion.

On a broader scale, his campaign was able to open the door to immigrants to participate in the process, he said. The campaign also helped him learn more about the community, he said.

"What I have learned is that people care more about when the trash gets picked up than the national missile defense. Mostly because, local issues are something that impacts them immediately and directly, while issues that take place in Washington are not only physically distant, but also conceptually distinct as well."

Mark Kleinschmidt was declared winner of the mayoral election with 49.49 percent – 4,006 of the total votes. Cho said if Mark can provide the clarity of thought the Chapel Hill town government needs, then Cho will be optimistic.

"I want to give the man a chance," he said.

When asked what he will do next, Cho replied, "The sun will rise tomorrow and I will continue my regular life, which is to serve as the chair of the transportation board and the commissioner of the community design commission, and fulfill my other obligations as a father and community member."