Preliminary results have Yvette Baxter winning Merritt by-election

MERRITT — Merritt has a winner in the by-election after the preliminary election results are in.

in what wasn’t a close finish at all, Yvette Baxter ran away with 229 votes.

Finising behind her were Peter Coghill in second with 75 votes, Norma-Jean Littleton with 30 votes and MJ Phillips with 26 votes.

One of Baxter’s main areas of focus is strengthening the relationship between city council and local First Nation communities.

“I want to work closely with the local bands because what happens to us happens to them,” Baxter says.

Merritt B.C. / istockphoto

Baxter is also commited to ensuring the water treatment plant is up to date and prepared for any future atmospheric river incidents that may impact Merritt.

“I also want to focus on the water treatment plant and make sure it is sustainable for the future. Also the Nicola River’s floodgates were built in the 1970’s and need an update.”

Yvette has lived in Merritt her whole life and is a Teacher’s aide at the Merritt Secondary School for special needs children. “This is my home, this is where I want to retire.”

Voting took place during two advance opportunities on April 10th and April 17th and on April 20th during general voting day.

Yvette Baxter will fill the role left by deceased ex-councilor Claire Newman and will serve until 2026, the rest of Newman’s term.

Merritt City Hall | CJFC Today