20-year-old becomes youngest-ever Middletown councilman

2nd Ward voters tap A.J. Smith; 3rd Ward voters unseat Tony Marconi.

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By Ed Richter, Staff Writer Updated 6:31 AM Wednesday, November 4, 2009

MIDDLETOWN — There will be three new faces on Middletown City Council when the new council is seated in January.

Among the new faces are two of the youngest people elected to serve on council and the fact that this may be the last election of ward representatives to council based on a charter change amendment to reduce council’s size.

A.J. Smith ran away with the 2nd Ward race and, at 20 years old, will become the youngest member ever elected to council.

He led in his race against John Soppanish throughout election night on Tuesday, Nov. 3. “I feel really well and I’m excited,” Smith said. “We’ve worked our butts off over the last six months and it paid off today.”

According to unofficial results from the Butler County Board of Elections, Smith beat Soppanish by nearly a 3 to 1 ratio with a vote of 930 to 365.

“The people wanted change and that’s what they voted for,” Smith said.

In the 3rd Ward, newcomer Joshua Laubach, 27, upset incumbent Councilman Tony Marconi’s bid for re-election. The other youngest member of the council won the race by a vote of 1,881 to Marconi’s 1,675.

Laubach said he has a lot to think about very quickly. “I stood on my principles and what I stand for and why … It feels really good, and I am very blessed to have this support from the 3rd Ward. I won’t take it for granted.”

The final new face on council will be Daniel Picard to represent the 4th Ward, replacing 16-year veteran David Schiavone.

Picard defeated opponent Paul Nagy by nearly a 2 to 1 ratio with an unofficial vote of 1,093 to 567.

Picard could not be reached late Tuesday night for comment.

Incumbent 1st Ward Councilman Jim Armbruster won re-election for a second term as he defeated challenger Gary Barge by an unofficial vote of 1,319 to 830,

“I’m humbled, very pleased and very proud,” Armbruster said.

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Congradulations to the winners! Now the real work begins! Know that you are up against a population that would rather "complain" than actually do anything and know that "the good ole boy network" is still alive (dying slowly) and kicking. I believe that you can be the change that is needed! Keep your eye on the prize (a prosperous Middletown)!

Emaleth
11:02 AM, 11/5/2009

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These young men have a task before them. However they are NOT alone. Hopefully they will work with the other members of council and learn. We have some good people that are still on board. Listen and learn.

I'm Praying
7:19 AM, 11/5/2009

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I use to work with a guy who likened Middletown to '"ship of fools" and he always said if you gave the earth an enema Middletown is where it would go in.

AND THE ELECTION DRIVEL GOES ON

justin

justin case
5:19 AM, 11/5/2009

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R U KIDDING ME! i would love to have someone represent me & issues that concern schooling for my children, income to support a family, jobs, jobs, jobs, any issue that would come from having any type of history of living experience,(no offense,but at 20 do u really know enough to sit on city council,do u have children,or r u one,have u lived in these bad times, or heard ur parents talk about it?,IS THIS A GAME? (MIDDLETOWN has officially become a laughing stock among the suurounding coommunities

another reason!
2:42 AM, 11/5/2009

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another reason!
2:38 AM, 11/5/2009

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