Candidate Profile 2021: Valerie Ridge, Mayor Of Bensalem

BENSALEM, PA — The Democratic challenger for mayor of Bensalem Township, Valerie Ridge, is a safety and security administrator for the school district and a former police officer.

Ridge is running against Libertarian Timothy Main and Republican Joseph DiGirolamo, who has been mayor since 1994.

The general election will take place on Nov. 2.

Here's Ridge's profile, as filled out by the candidate:

Age (as of Election Day)

55

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Married

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

Education

BA Business Administration with a Psychology Minor

Occupation

Safety/Security Administrator for Bensalem Township School District (18 yrs. total with School District) Retired Bensalem Township Police Officer (11 yrs)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

Facebook page: Val Ridge for Mayor

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am a lifelong resident of Bensalem Township and most of my life has been given to public service. I would like to continue to serve the people of Bensalem Township as their next Mayor. I believe Bensalem is a wonderful place to live and I feel I can add a fresh perspective to move the Township forward.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue our Township is facing, is the decline in business operations resulting in vacant properties. I intend to place a temporary moratorium on business/land development in order to repurpose existing properties. This can be achieved through the implementation of a long-term strategic development plan with unique goals for 3, 5 and 10 year time frames.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

It is my belief that I can provide a fresh look at common issues and that a new perspective could generate a productive conversation around possible solutions that will take us to the next level as a community. I believe, that after almost 30 years in office, we have become complacent in areas that need true attention and not just a band aide. Residents have shared with me overwhelmingly their concerns in regards to the deteriorating Route 1 corridor. The motel strip monopolizes a large amount of time and man power from our first- responders on a daily basis. As a result, the Bensalem Township Police Department needed to add an additional patrol sector for this area. A substantial number of the issues are not just the result of the transient population, but the infrastructure of the establishments themselves. As your Mayor, I will develop a plan to combat this area of concern through code enforcement and continued law enforcement. Our plan needs to encompass all stakeholders and develop a vision of what the Route 1 corridor represents to the residents of Bensalem Township.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

It is my belief that we need to return to basics and what make sense for the community as a whole. It is important that office of the Mayor be a representation of all the residents and a voice to all.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I would like to implement a clean town initiative for a more ecofriendly Bensalem, upgrade township technology to provide 21st century access for all residents, create a community outreach liaison and task-force to improve communication and transparency, and reintroduce a department-wide community policing program for the township.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

National Police Officer of the Year; YWCA Women Who Make a Difference award recipient; Bucks County Bar Association William Penn Award recipient; Numerous Life Saving Accommodations from local, state and federal officials; Local Police Officer of the Year.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Fall down 7 times, stand up 8"

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

If elected as Mayor, I promise to work collaboratively with all community stakeholders. I will reach across the aisle and work with anyone in any political party in order to do what is in the best interests of the residents of Bensalem Township. I am a hard worker with a commitment to service. The time has come for a fresh voice with new ideas for all residents of Bensalem.