ECORSE, Mich. -- The mayor of a Detroit suburb has been re-elected, despite being under indictment on corruption charges.

Herbert Worthy defeated a former mayor, Larry Salisbury, by 15 votes Tuesday in Ecorse.

"I knew it was going to be close but not that close," said Worthy Wednesday.

Worthy was charged in September with taking bribes and turning the city's public works department over to contractors who were his largest campaign donors in 2007. He has pleaded not guilty.

"I think people believe me and they believe in my name," said Worthy.

City Controller Earl Hollenquest was also charged with conspiracy, fraud and bribery.

Read Entire Affidavit: Worthy, Hollenquest Affidavit

"Politics in Ecorse have always been dirty," said Ecorse resident Ann Zdanowski. "In the past 30 years we hardly had anything in return for electing these people."

"He can't do no worse than he's done. Hopefully he won't get re-arrested again," said Ecorse resident Deborah Holifield.

One of the contractors, Stacey Tarockoff, cooperated with the FBI and secretly recorded conversations with Worthy. Tarockoff recently pleaded guilty to a banking crime.

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm appointed Joyce Parker as the financial manager of Ecorse. The appointment will limit Worthy's say over the city's finances.

"Whatever she (Parker) wishes, I'm going to make sure it happens. I don't have any controversy with her," said Worthy.