Friends of Lansdale Candidates Victorious in Ward Three Primary

As Lansdale First Political Action Committee treasurer and current Councilman Denton Burnell spoke his first words over the phone Tuesday night after the Democratic and Republican Primaries, one could sense the disappointment in his voice.

"It wasn’t a good night for my people," the Democratic councilman said.

It was a good night for at least one of the Lansdale First-endorsed candidates—Mary Fuller, who unofficially won the Democratic ticket in the Primary Tuesday.

The same cannot be said for Democrats Bob Willi and Richard Strahm.

It seems having more than $8,000 in financial backing from the Montgomery County Democratic Committee helped propel Friends of Lansdale PAC-endorsed Liz Troy and Leon Angelichio to clinch the top two votes in the Primary. Troy and Angelichio are also the corresponding secretary and vice president of the Lansdale Democratic Party.

According to unofficial Montgomery County election results, Troy received 232 votes, or 32 percent of the vote in all three precincts in Ward Three. Angelichio received 206 votes, or 28 percent. Strahm and Willi totaled 153 and 129 votes, respectively.

In Ward 3 Precinct 1, Troy received 83 votes and Angelichio, 78 votes. Strahm and Willi each received nine votes.

"Obviously, I will work with whomever prevails in November. A lot of good things are happening in Lansdale. But there was a lot of mudslinging in this election. I don't think all has been entirely truthful," Burnell said. "I'd like to see the people focus on the facts in November. We have accomplished a lot of good things in this town and it was overshadowed in the election."

Victor Troy said she and Angelichio received a lot of support from the Bangladeshi community in Ward 3-1.

"I know they have had a good relationship with (Councilman and Lansdale Democratic Party Chairman) Jack (Hansen) and (Councilman) Rich (DiGregorio). They see us as people who will listen to their concerns and address their concerns," Troy said. "I don't believe they feel that with other councilmembers."

Troy said she was happy with the way she and Angelichio campaigned "the old-fashioned way."

"It was grassroots," she said. "We were letting them know we will listen to them." 

Troy said she said had not run into anybody once that said to her, "Why run for council? We love it the way it is."

"There's a lot of hunger out there for something different," Troy said.  

Angelichio was unavailable for comment, as there was a death in his family Tuesday night.

Strahm did not sugarcoat it for Patch.

"I had better days," he said, conceding to Troy and Angelichio Tuesday night.

"Liz and Leon managed to pull some incredible numbers out of 3-1, and to that, I give them credit," Strahm said. "I was outplayed and outlasted." 

Strahm also gave his heartfelt condolences to the loss in the Angelichio family. 

In response to losing the Ward Three ticket, Willi said simply, "It happens."

"I'm a big boy. I can handle it," he said. "Congratulations. Good luck. That's about all I have to say."

Willi too expressed sympathy for the passing of Angelichio's family member. 

Burnell said he is not sure, between now and November, how the Republicans and Democrats in Lansdale will differentiate themselves from each other.

"They said the same things," he said. "It will be an interesting campaign season in November. I look forward to seeing who has the better story. As sitting councilman, I'll work with whomever prevails."