Incumbents Sobel, Dunigan Ousted in GOP Primary

Incumbent Republicans Mike Sobel, in Ward Two, and Dan Dunigan, in Ward Three, have been unofficially ousted in the Republican Primary for Lansdale Borough Council.

Lansdale Parking Authority member Tom Work unofficially received the most votes for the one open seat on council in Ward Two: 223 votes to Sobel's 65 votes in all three precincts, or 77.4 percent of the vote.

While Democrat Kathleen Becker was on the ballot in Ward Two, she withdrew her candidacy before the Primary.

"I got my butt kicked," said Sobel. "It wasn't even close. As I stated in letters and other things I put out there, it's not up to me. It's up to the voters to make a decision and obviously today they spoke." 

Sobel said he will not hang his head for anything he did in his nearly four years on council.

"I will finish out my term to the best of my ability. Anybody that needs help while sitting until December, I will do my best," he said.  

Although Sobel had just returned from vacation and had not spent a lot of time at the polls Tuesday, he said the "political machine" spent a whole lot of money to get things out there.

"And that's the way it is," he said. "I appreciate anybody that supported me. I will keep working while I sit here, and then I'll go back to my private life and, I guess, the end of my political career."

Work, the GOP victor in Ward Two, said it was a good night.

"Obviously, I'm very pleased with the outcome," he said. "I'm pleased the voters in the Republican Party put their confidence in me. I will continue to work hard for them as we move toward the election in November."

Work said he will fight for the issues he believes in, namely the "unnecessary" demolition of Lansdale Borough Hall ("Fix what we have," he told Patch) and the "$8 million" to open 311 W. Main Street which is worth "$1 million" and has no identifiable audience. Work also said the use of consultants is unnecessary.

"My feelings have not changed," he said. "311 W. Main, the borough hall and the Madison Lot proposals are all things we need to keep our eye on." 

Dunigan was battling for re-election to council. A second seat in Ward Three was also up for grabs, vacated by President Matt West, who did not seek re-election. Republicans Peter Schmitt and Walter Brown III unofficially won those seats. 

Dunigan had no comment. Brown III and Schmitt were unable to be reached by phone.

According to unofficial Montgomery County Election results, Brown III received 156 votes, or 38 percent. Schmitt was close behind with 143 votes. Dunigan garnered 111 votes, according to the county.

Schmitt and Brown III will go on to battle Democrats Leon Angelichio and Liz Troy in the November election for Ward Three for two open seats.