Election 2025: Stephanie A. G. Ferrandez 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 — Stephanie A. G. Ferrandez is running for mayor of Bensalem Township in the Nov. 4 general election.

Ferrandez, a Democrat, is currently a Bensalem Township school director. She is trying to defeat longtime Republican incumbent Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo.

Biographical Information

• Name: Stephanie A. G. Ferrandez
• Age: 58
• Town of Residence: Bensalem Township
• Position sought: Bensalem Township Mayor
• Are you an incumbent? No
• What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Bensalem Township
• Party Affiliation: Democrat
• Family: Married to my husband for 23 years. We have a daughter, who is a junior in college, and a son who is a senior at Bensalem High School.
• Education: Swarthmore College BA with Honors & University of Pennsylvania School of Law JD (Full scholarship to both.)
• Occupation: Attorney for 30 years. Owner of GF Family Law in Bensalem

Candidate Questions

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

I would not be running if I were not concerned. We have evolved into residential overdevelopment and commercial stagnation. I moved to Bensalem 23 years ago when we found a little house at the end of a lovely tree-lined cul-de-sac in a quiet neighborhood with a great little elementary school.

But things have changed. There is a lot of talk from the mayor about how he has preserved open space or kept Bensalem safe. Yet the township under Mayor Joe now waives zoning laws allowing construction on every patch of grass, commercial sites sit as empty eyesores, and he allowed nearly a dozen vape shops before trying to control their spread. We must have a leader who can proactively plan with energy and tenacity.

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

Political violence is not acceptable. This year, we have seen violence on both sides. Although very different times in many ways, I worry that we are reliving the 1960s and early 1970s — five assassinations of politicians/activists between 1963 and 1968, the corruption of Watergate, the Vietnam War. The demonizing of others, thought, and speech without the acceptance of universal humanity, leads to dangerous extremism.

3. What are the biggest challenges facing the borough?

We must expand our pool of thought to avoid stagnation. We have had the same mayor for 32 years! At 88, rather than having mentored a successor to run, he wants another four years! 60,000+ people live in Bensalem, yet who is in control? If you look at those elected, appointed, or employed by the township (outside of first responders) you will find a few families woven throughout.

Some township salaries are unbelievable! According to OpenGovPay.com for 2024, we had a $323,000 Director of Administration, a $222,997 Department Director; and another $201,814 Director of Administration, all more than their counterparts in other Bucks County municipalities. Without financial and structural transparency and an infusion of fresh ideas and energy, we will lose economic vitality and confidence in government.