Election 2025: Joseph J. Wenzel Jr. For Bensalem Council

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 J. Wenzel Jr. is running for a seat on the Bensalem Township Council in the Nov. 4 general election.

Wenzel Jr., a Democrat, is among the candidates vying for three, four-year terms on the five-member council. Longtime Republican Councilman Joseph Piniero did not seek re-election.

The candidates are Republican newcomer Will Walker and Councilwomen Stacey Champion and Michelle Benitez. They are running against Democrats Joseph Wenzel Jr., Ed Tokmajian, and Jesse Sloan.

Biographical Information

• Name: Joseph J. Wenzel Jr.
• Age: 38
• Town of Residence: Bensalem Township
• Position sought: Bensalem Township Council
• Are you an incumbent? No
• What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Bensalem Township
• Party Affiliation: Democrat
• Family: Wife and two children
• Education: Graduate from Eastern Atlantic States Tech
• Occupation: Union Carpenter Superintendent, Delegate to EASRCC, Financial Secretary Local 167

Candidate Questions

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

I believe our community has become stagnant and requires a fresh perspective. We are faced with numerous vacant buildings, an overabundance of smoke shops, and excessive development. We have few activities for children within the township. It is imperative that we provide our youth with more engaging activities, as a thriving younger generation is essential to the strength and future of our community.

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

Political violence is never justified. We can disagree and argue over beliefs, but we should never resort to physical acts.

3. What are the biggest challenges facing the borough?

Our shrinking general fund has made it harder to manage the budget and maintain local infrastructure. Parks that should be community assets end up neglected, forcing us to chase grant funding for full replacements. With better planning and regular maintenance, we could avoid these costly cycles altogether.