QUITTING his job to spend 12 months on the campaign trail has paid off for Justin King.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He was the strongest performer of the nine Benalla Council candidates, securing 1916 first-preference votes.
He finished with 22 per cent of the vote, ahead of returning councillor Peter Davis with 1713 first preferences.
“I ran a very long 12-month campaign and it helped that people got quite familiar with me,” he said.
“I think it was the campaign and also being first on the ballot paper did help.”
While passionate about youth issues, Mr King said he would first take time to settle into the job.
“I think it will be a case of finding my feet because I’m only 26,” he said.
“Once I have a clear understanding of the processes of it, I will be able to throw myself into the role.
“I’m really wanting to work with the community and to understand what it wants to be done by the council.”
Mr King worked with the unemployed for about five years before beginning his campaign.
He said he would considering a couple of job opportunities.
As well as Cr Davis, sitting councillor , Peter Dunn, was the third person elected.
He finished with 1227 first preferences — or 14.27 per cent of the vote.
