EJ Barrett Awaits Special Vote Results in Council Race

EJ Barrett is poised to learn whether they have secured a seat on the New Plymouth District Council as the final results from the recent election are set to be announced on March 15, 2024. After initially being close to the cut-off with early results released on Saturday, Barrett gained an advantage over sitting councillor Bryan Vickery when preliminary results were confirmed on Sunday, putting them ahead by 151 votes. The suspense now hinges on the outcome of special votes, which will determine the final count.

“I had it in my head from the beginning that we are not going to know if we are in or not until the special votes are in,” Barrett expressed on Monday as they prepared for the wait. During this time, the 36-year-old plans to engage in personal activities, including playing the piano and spending quality time with family and pets.

Barrett, who has recently relocated amid the local body election campaign, expressed gratitude for the community support received thus far. The candidate is enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve on the council and advocate for their campaign platform, which includes promoting community libraries, ensuring access to affordable housing, and safeguarding public services, particularly transportation.

“All the things that keep our community running,” Barrett emphasized. If successful, Barrett looks forward to meeting with fellow councillors over a “cup of tea” to discuss alignment on key issues, especially housing. “My mission is to get people housed, and there are ways in which we can empower the community to do that,” they added.

Meanwhile, Max Brough, the mayor-elect of New Plymouth, has begun his term by engaging with the community. On his first day, he participated in a livestream where approximately 60 residents raised questions on various topics such as parking meters, the removal of cycle separators, and the newly established Water Services Council Controlled Organisation.

Brough acknowledged the importance of transparency and promised to create opportunities for ratepayers to engage with elected officials once his hearing committee is formed. He also addressed community concerns regarding water fluoridation, stating his opposition to adding fluoride but recognizing that it is a matter for central government.

Regarding his potential deputy mayor, Brough revealed plans to appoint “three or four” individuals who would also chair council committees. He confirmed that the highest polling candidate, Murray Chong, would take on a deputy mayor role.

As the community awaits the final vote count, both Barrett and Brough are preparing to take on their respective roles, focusing on the issues that matter most to the residents of New Plymouth.