Election 2025: Joseph DiGirolamo For Bensalem Mayor

Candidates running in the Nov. 4 general election are providing background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — Joseph DiGirolamo is running for mayor of Bensalem Township in the Nov. 4 general election.

DiGirolamo, a Republican, has served as the township's mayor for over three decades. He is being challenged by Democrat Stephanie A. G. Ferrandez, a township school director.

Biographical Information

• Name: Joseph DiGirolamo
• Age: 88
• Town of Residence: Bensalem Township
• Position sought: Bensalem Township Mayor
• Are you an incumbent? Yes
• What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Bensalem Township
• Party Affiliation: Republican
• Family: Married
• Education: NA
• Occupation: Bensalem Township's mayor for 32 years

1. How do you feel about the township's future development?

Much of the development in Bensalem took place during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s when Democrats controlled our township. Since much of the development in our township has been under the auspices of “redevelopment” of sites such as the former State School and Hospital, the former YDC property, as well as the former St. Francis School Site, which were hundreds of acres of institutional properties, sold by the State and the Archdiocese.

The redevelopment of these sites gave Wellington Estates and Belmont Ridge the most beautiful neighborhoods within our community as well as the Horizon Center, the Target Shopping Center, and the Texas Roadhouse Commercial Area, all of which are popular, successful commercial centers in our township.

These centers provide amenities and strengthen the tax base of our town. The Neshaminy Mall and Armstrong Middle School properties have been sold and redevelopment will be significant to t he economic future of the Township, and as the Archdiocese sells off portions of the Resurrection Cemetery, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament place the campus back on the market, we can reuse these former institutional sites as the key to the future of our township.

2. What are your thoughts on political violence in the country?

Violence, political or otherwise, is never the solution to any problem. Violence of any kind has no home here In Bensalem. Under my leadership, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to keep our resident safe in our homes, and on our streets, and as a result, life in Bensalem, is free from violence and lawlessness that are a part of everyday life in Philadelphia. Protection from the violence and crime from the city comes at a tremendous price to the taxpayers of our community! However, it is essential to maintain the quality of life enjoyed here in Bensalem.

3. What are the biggest challenges facing the borough?

My answers to the earlier questions address the biggest challenges, to our township. Our ability to continue to provide and maintain essential public services, especially our police protection, are exacerbated by our proximity to Philadelphia. I am proud that we didn’t raise property taxes in Bensalem for 30 years and yet were able to find ways to provide a quality of life that is second to none.

Since the pandemic, costs have increased significantly, and they continue to do so, yet we have continuously found ways to provide services and community amenities without burdening our taxpayers. The thoughtful redevelopment of the properties discussed above will continue to require the input and oversight of the Township, and they too, will ultimately help to keep our Township tax base strong