Also in their mid-30s are Franklin Twp. Trustees Shane Centers (Brent Centers’ brother), Matt Jennings and Brian Morris. Two Middletown Council Members, Talbott Moon and Monica Nenni, and Monroe Vice Mayor Keith Funk are also 30-somethings.
It is not unusual to have 30-something or younger mayors, council members and township trustees. Former Middletown Mayor Larry Mulligan was 39 when he was elected as the first directly elected mayor, and Thomas Hall wasn’t old enough to buy beer when he was elected as Madison Twp.’s youngest-ever trustee in 2015.
But after all three new mayors were seated this month, the Journal-News asked them about how age will play a role in new positions. Here are their thoughts:
‘OK Boomer’ has become a notable phrased used by millennials against the Baby Boomer generation. How do you feel about the phrase?
Condrey: Every generation brings new ideas and challenges the status quo in one way or another—it is how society evolves and ultimately progresses. The healthy discussions and respectful, open-mindedness of all generations working together is critical to our progress. In general Baby Boomers can teach us the importance of earning what we receive and never expecting good fortune without hard work, while in general millennials have mastered the ability to live in the moment and maximize the variety of experiences life has to offer. Generations are more a mentality than a birth year range. I find myself more closely aligned with the Baby Boomer mentality and am striving to take lessons about the enjoyment of life from the millennials.
Frentzel: I put this in the same regard as the "don't trust anyone over 30" that was used in the '60s. It is just a way for younger people to respond when they feel that they are not being heard or respected by older generations. This can be used as a point to start a conversation and when someone responds back to you with "OK Boomer." Instead of getting mad at them, use it as a learning/teaching tool.
Centers: Can't say "OK Boomer." It's important not to cloud age with maturity. I want to run a strong meeting, look at things and listen to what people have to say so we can do what's best for the community, which is our common goal. We have good demographics on our council and our decisions have represented our city very well.
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Do you think that age plays a role in how you govern and how residents see you and council or issues facing the city?
Condrey: I feel the citizens of Middletown, Monroe, and Franklin recognize that age and experience are two different things; we choose what to do with our years and at what pace. Younger leaders can bring innovation, fresh ideas, and energy to their communities, though there are plenty of older leaders who are just as open-minded. I look forward to attracting like-minded high-performing young adults to Middletown who will find employment, challenges, entertainment, and a home in our city.
Frentzel: I do not believe that age is a major factor in how I govern, like I have mentioned before in comments, I am always looking out for what is best for the city. I may have a different take on this than (former mayor) Mr. (Bob) Routson did, but at the end of the day we both have the same goal in mind.
Centers: I think I view things differently due to my age but its similar to the lens a business owner might have when looking at a business deal. We all bring differences and each person brings their own specific values.
What attributes or skills do your generation bring to the local political process and how will that impact the community?
Condrey: "My generation" brings a mentality that nothing is out of the realm of possibility. Computers did not involve themselves in our lives until middle school or high school, (and) we operated our first mobile phones in college. Drones are now on the verge of delivering packages to our homes before we even realize we are out of laundry detergent. Middletown, Monroe, and Franklin will move forward in directions no one ever dreamed by having the faith to trust young leaders.
Frentzel: I feel that my generation is the best at bridging generations right now. I feel that I am still young enough to relate to the young professionals that everyone is trying to attract while at the same time being able to relate to the older generations that still have a strong influence in the city.
Centers: I think its beneficial to the city. We have a lot of experience on council to lean on if I need help. We are full of energy and fresh ideas. We're looking at things through different lenses and experience but our common goal is to do what's best for the community.
Why do you think there is a trend of younger people getting involved and elected in local politics when at the national level we see the opposite trend?
Condrey: I personally started with federal service and transitioned to local politics. Having participated in the global issues, I found I was not having a direct impact on what was happening around me on a day-to-day basis. The Millennial mentality of wanting to "live in the moment" may extend into our young leaders' desires to "help improve the moment/community around them" on a more personal level. The trending negative press and combative nature surrounding national and global issues may be deterring qualified young leaders from involving themselves on the national level, believing their ability to positively impact society is greater in the immediate communities around them.
Frentzel: I don't necessarily think that this area is any different than other areas in the country. If you look at the individuals who ran for Monroe council this past November, the youngest two individuals running were already on council. As far as getting elected mayor, I hope that my commitment to the community and work ethic has outweighed my "youth" in council's vote to appoint me as mayor.
Centers: I think we are seeing a younger trend of younger elected officials at the local level even though the opposite trend is occurring at the federal level because the most efficient form of government is local. The citizens need people that can get a lot done and are efficient. That comes with my generation.
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