UPDATED 7:38 a.m., Nov. 10.
A tally of unofficial results in the Nov. 7 Englewood general election shows incumbent Joe Anderson will remain the District 3 councilmember.
An update of results released around 6 p.m. on Nov. 9 by Arapahoe County shows the following:
Joe Anderson – 1,401 votes or 58.84%
Laurett Barrentine – 980 votes or 41.16%
Anderson said he is grateful to the citizens of Englewood who voted for him.
“I would like to thank the voters in District 3 for continuing to entrust me to represent them well on city council. I am committed to working hard to ensure a strong future for Englewood,” Anderson said.
Anderson said he looks forward to remaining on the council and working to bring the community together.
“The divisive behavior that has become characteristic of Englewood politics over the last several months has not been good for anyone. We have had two elections in the last five weeks that have demonstrated that District 3 voters don’t respond well to that manner of politics,” Anderson said. “I am hopeful that as a whole city we can move toward better ways of engaging, disagreeing and ultimately constructively move forward to make Englewood a better place now and for the next generation.”
City Clerk Stephanie Carlile said the results will be certified on Nov. 28 and Anderson will be sworn in at the council’s regular meeting on Dec. 4.
Anderson said he decided to run again because he is excited about the city’s future.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to execute our infrastructure plans, especially the City Ditch project and water plant upgrades to improve our drinking water,” Anderson said. “I’d also like to see our Civic Center developed into a vibrant hub of city life.”
Additionally, Anderson said he has thought about other new developments, including a cultural arts and music center, various shops, housing options, outdoor spaces and potentially a new hotel.
Anderson faced a recall on Oct. 3 that failed. He voted yes on the CodeNext project in a Sep. 25 meeting. The ordinance took effect on Oct. 26 despite an attempt at a referendum petition by residents Kurt Suppes, Sandra Kettelhut, Gary Kozacek and Davon Williams, who had until 10:09 p.m. on Oct. 26 to submit 1,466 valid signatures but failed to do so.
CodeNext has been a point of contention in the community for months and inspired the attempted recall of four city council members including District 1 Councilmember Othoniel Sierra, District 2 Councilmember Chelsea Nunnenkamp and Anderson. Former At-Large Councilmember Cheryl Wink also faced recall but resigned in July.
Laurett Barrentine, who served on the city council two prior times, faced a recall in 2018 which also failed.
Barrentine said she decided to run for District 3 because she and other citizens “were turned off by the political cancel culture antics prior to and surrounding the 2019 District 3 election, and they believe this culture remains.”
In 2019, Barrentine was at the end of her second non-consecutive term on city council. Anderson challenged her bid for reelection and ended up defeating her nearly 3-1.
“I know, I lived through it, understandably creating a challenging, dark time in my life. Not only did I survive, I am much stronger as a result,” Barrentine said. “ In the end, I decided to run because so many people encouraged me to use that experience, strength and conviction to provide District 3 with the representation they deserve.”
To view the results visit www.arapahoevotes.com.