NEW BEDFORD – At-Large City Councilor Ian Abreu edged out Brian Gomes as the body’s new president by 6-5 vote Thursday night.
Derek Baptiste, Naomi Carney, Maria Giesta and newcomers Shane Burgo and Ryan Pereira, along with Abreu himself, voted for Abreu. Hugh Dunn, Scott Lima, Brad Markey, Linda Morad and Gomes himself voted for Gomes.
Abreu has been the top vote-getter in the past two at-large elections. Gomes has served as the council president several times in the past.
The vote had been delayed after several city councilors were absent for the City Council’s inaugural meeting, due to illness, including COVID-19.
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