EDGEWATER, Fla -- Kimberly Yaney, a marketing spercialist, has won decisively with 53.7 percent of the votes cast in Tuesday's special election to fill a vacancy on the Edgewater City Council.
Jennifer Parker, a local photographerby trade, came up short, garnering 46.3 percent of the votes tallied.
Lisa Lewis, the supervisor of elections for Volusia County, said turnout was light, with 2,457 voters participating in the day-long election. Still, the turnout was better than a three-way primary in February leading to today's run-off election that drew less less than 1,700 voters.
Yaney was ecstatic when the votes were counted and she emerged the victor.
"I am excited the citizens of Edgewater have voted me into office and was happy the turnout for the general election exceeded that of the primary election," she said. "I believe we have brought awareness to the issues and special election. I'm looking forward to beginning my work on Council. Thank you Edgewater."
Likewise, two of Yaney's biggest supporters were pleased with her big win.
Michael J. Arminio of Port Orange, who came up short in a run for Volusia County Council last year, said he was thrilled Yaney had won, describing her as "like a niece" that he's known for 30 years and could hardly contain his excitement for her: "Congrats Kimberly Yaney, proud of you!"
Rebecca Crews, another supporter, added, "Congrats, Kimberly Yaney, awesome campaign and well deserved victory. I’ll look forward to your business perspective and professionalism on our council. Thank you for taking on this responsibility."
Yaney, who will be sworn in on May 6, immediately prior to that night's City Council meeting, succeeds Amy Vogt, who resigned from her seat back in January when she and her husband moved out of state.
Vogt, Councilman Gary Conroy and Councilwoman Meghan O'Keefe at a special meeting on Oct. 29 voted to fire City Manager Tracey Barlow, who had been at the helm for 11 years.
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