Which 3rd Ward candidate was more surprised?

Newcomer's defeat of incumbent was not a predicted outcome.

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By Ed Richter, Staff Writer 1:31 AM Sunday, November 8, 2009

Middletown residents voted for change with the election of three new faces in the Middletown City Council races, including the election of the youngest-ever council member.

One of the biggest surprises Tuesday, Nov. 3, was in the 3rd Ward race, with newcomer Joshua Laubach defeating incumbent Councilman Tony Marconi.

“Obviously I was shocked,” Marconi said. “(Laubach) was probably as shocked that he won as I was that I lost.

“It’s unbelievable. A young, inexperienced unknown newcomer won against an experienced incumbent with proven knowledge, leadership and a record of success. I never thought it would happen. I’m still dazed.”

Knight Goodman, longtime political observer and veteran campaign manager, said he, too, was surprised by Marconi’s defeat.

“I thought he had a fair chance,” Goodman said. “But when he tried to dance around a question during a TV (Middletown) debate, that made him look weak.”

Goodman also said there were a lot of strong supporters for Laubach, and noted that the rancor on the national level is steeping into local politics.

On Saturday, Marconi agreed with Goodman on that point.

“There’s a mindset across the country and it’s come to Middletown for voters to oust incumbents at any cost and that cost is huge,” Marconi said. “There’s a mentality out there and it’s here in Middletown to oust incumbents. Voters want change but change isn’t always a good thing.”

Marconi said he loved the experience of being on council and will miss it. “The people have spoken and I have to accept it until there’s another opportunity. Don’t rule me out for a future run. It’s going to be a big adjustment for me,” he said. “I wish him (Laubach) all the best and success because I want the city to succeed.”

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Why is it aurprise that Marconi lost?Here is a man that bids on million dollar concrete and cement jobs,yet can't figure a solution to the total deteriation/erosion of the streets/sidewalks,not to mention his horrible communication skills? He would look up words in a thesuarus before each council meeting & when using them,it sounded like nonsense!Hey Tony,do you remember in the gym and you asked me how much 6 45lb plates and the bar weighed?C'mon,all u do is take 7 x 50,subtract 35, = 315lbs!

Big Slick
12:21 PM, 11/9/2009

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I think Marconi lost also cos the Sunchoke vote. Hope jimbob,becker,and Scott jones dont get to comfy cos I feel they are going to be under fire by the people that are starting to come around.
Ak might be the biggest bussiness but they are also the biggest polluter. They make the mess but are not required to fix there mess.

LMAO
10:51 AM, 11/9/2009

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Perhaps new leaders under the age 30 with no knowledge of "the way it has always been done" can bring about positive change. It is time for a new generation to begin leading the city. It can always get worse, but perhaps it can start improving.

Ted
8:49 AM, 11/9/2009

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Mr. Marconi speaks of Laubach as if he's some unqualified child. The way I see it...Laubach has more formal education, a graduate from OSU, he has served the country in the military and has been involved in city boards and issues as a citizen for quite some time. What else does he neeed....age....? Marconi on the other hand does have age and struggles to speak without spewing constant grammatical errors. What a great example you set for young people Marconi....!

William
8:46 AM, 11/9/2009

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The fact Mr. Marconi is surprised he lost 9in spite of having the support of MMF and quid pro quo of the catholic community) shows how out of touch he was. I supported him before but he seemed overwhelmed with issues and couldn't atriculate why he didn't support the red light cameras...I assume if they weren't for saftely they were for making $$$? Well, next time he may get another chance, with W3 racking up the cash and votes. By then, city will be under water.

socrates
7:29 PM, 11/8/2009

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