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A long afternoon culminated in a new career for Ryan Hamilton, after preliminary results named him Hamilton’s newest city councillor.
The 38-year-old local business owner and Hamilton Christian Night Shelter trustee won 1931 votes in the Hamilton East by-election, 400 ahead of runner-up Michael West.
But it wasn’t for a lack of trying. This was Hamilton’s seventh attempt at joining the council table.
“I first campaigned nearly 14 years ago. It’s been a bit of a journey,” he said.
“Either I’m crazy or bloody determined, and I guess there’s a fine line between the two.”
Rounding out the top ranked was Maxine van Oosten with 1357 votes, Meleane Burgess with 1064 and Peter Humphreys with 1024.
The official result will be declared on Wednesday, and Hamilton will be sworn in on Thursday before getting straight into council matters at a Finance Committee meeting.
“I’m really excited. Obviously I’ve got a lot to learn in terms of processes and things. It’ll be a neat opportunity and I’ve got a lot of energy and passion,” Hamilton said.