Bensalem Mayor, At 87, Shows No Signs Of Slowing Down

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —He's a township institution.

For 31 years, Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo has ruled the roost as the township's leader with a track record of sound fiscal responsibility, one of Bucks County's best police forces, and building a community that has been recognized as one of the most family-friendly in the nation.

"I was born and raised here. I am Bensalem," the mayor told Patch in an exclusive interview recently.

So it's no wonder, that at age 87, DiGirolamo is showing no signs of slowing down.

Bensalem, which is Bucks County's Republican stronghold, has the GOP once again endorsing DiGirolamo's candidacy for mayor in the upcoming May 20 primary election and the one in November, where a Democratic challenger will try to end his tenure.

Bensalem Township School Director Stephanie A.G. Ferrandez has announced that she will run as a Democrat in the primary for mayor in hopes of taking on DiGirolamo come fall.

But the mayor —who turns 88 on April 13 — doesn't bat an eye about the challenge.

"I'm not retiring," he said. "I do a great job. I have a great team, a great township, and a great community. My record speaks for itself."

DiGirolamo said his campaign is off and running.

"I will take on the challenges on my record," he said. "I will continue to do this as long as God allows me."