Provisionals counted in Asbury races, results unchanged
A-Team issues statement of congratulations to winners
The provisional ballots cast in the Asbury Park municipal and board of education elections have been counted.
Provisional ballots are cast when it’s unclear if a voter is qualified to vote. On election day, 161 voters in Asbury Park cast a provisional ballot. About half of the ballots —72 — were counted, according to data from the Monmouth County Board of Elections.
A total 89 provisional ballots were were voided. Instances of voters failing to register by the Oct. 15 deadline, not registering to vote whatsoever, having a criminal record, or not actually holding residency in Asbury Park contributed to the causes for the disqualifications.
Of the 72 ballots counted, 69 contributed additional votes to the Asbury Park mayor’s race.
With provisional ballots now counted, John Moor — a sitting councilman who ran on the Asbury Together ticket — will remain over the required 50 percent threshold to win the mayor’s race outright without a run-off election. Moor picked up an additional 27 votes and now has 1,401 of the 2,562 votes cast in the mayor’s race.
The second highest vote-getter was Remond Palmer of the A-Team ticket. Palmer picked up 32 votes with the provisional count, bringing his total to 728 votes, incumbent Myra Campbell picked up seven and ends with 351 and Harold Suggs earned another three, leaving him at 82 votes.
In the council race, the following are the unofficial vote totals as provided by City Clerk Steven Kay and county election officials: Asbury Together candidates Quinn 1687, Kendle 1626, Joe Woerner 1591 and Barbara Clayton 1576. A-Team candidates Duanne Small is at 818 votes, Kevin Saunders, Jr. 802 votes, Rosetta Johnson 754, and Derrick Grant 711.
The A-Team slate issued a statement to congratulate rival ticket Asbury Together on a hard-fought win.
The A-Team ran a full five-member slate in the Asbury Park City Council race and a three member slate to fill open positions at the Asbury Park Board of Education. Two of their school board candidates secured outright wins. They are newcomer Stephen “Steve” Williams and incumbent Felicia Simmoms. Their third school board candidate was Arva M. Council. The totals for provisional votes do not change the winners of the board of education race.
Totals for the board of education candidates are as follows: Carol B. Jones 1,035 votes, Felicia Simmons 977 votes, Steve Williams 972 votes, Charles P. Smentkowski 920 votes, Angela Ahbez-Anderson 845, and Arva Council 783 votes.
Although a large majority of the A-Team slate lost, candidates said in the statement issued last week they are determined to ensure this “historical” election is not forgotten and that their campaign candidates remain committed to help see Asbury Park move forward in a positive direction devoid of future segregation.
“Our A-Team is committed to rebuilding a united Asbury Park, a city with blurred lines so as to not segregate the east side from the west side, the black from the white, nor the gay from the straight,” the statement reads.
They team also thanked their supporters and promised them the unsuccessful members of the A-Team will continue to connect with their voter base and seek outlets for their voices and opinions to be represented and heard now that the race is over.
“Whether by mail or at the polls, you demonstrated a trust in us [the A-Team] that has not gone unnoticed,” the statement reads. “Your enthusiasm for change continues to encourage us to move forward and bring about such. Please know that you will continue to see us on an individual and collective basis, as we will remain active in our home, our city.”
The full A-Team statement appears below, verbatim:
The A-Team genuinely congratulates the winners of the 2014 Asbury Park Mayoral, City Council, and Board of Education election.
Mayor – John Moor
City Council- Amy Quinn, Jesse Kendle, Barbara Clayton and Joe Woerner
Board of Education – Carol Jones, Felicia Simmons and Stephen Williams
As stated during our campaign, this election was a historical one for our city, and we are determined to let this serve as the election that will not be forgotten. This election promised to bring forth positive changes within our city, and we strive to do just that.
We humbly thank all of our supporters, from our volunteers to our voters. Whether by mail or at the polls, you demonstrated a trust in us [the A-Team] that has not gone unnoticed. Your enthusiasm for change continues to encourage us to move forward and bring about such. Please know that you will continue to see us on an individual and collective basis, as we will remain active in our home, our city. Our voices will continue to be heard. In holding true to our A-Team vision of change and unification, we truly look forward to working with the newly elected Mayor, City Council and Board of Education members so that we can rebuff the shine of our beloved jewel, Asbury Park. Thank you, again, for ALL of your support.
Sincerely,
“The A-Team”
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