Yardley Democrats Announce Borough Council Slate

YARDLEY, PA —Three Borough Council seats are up for grabs in the 2025 primary and general elections this year on the seven-member board.

With Council President Caroline Thompson announcing her bid for mayor and two incumbents not seeking re-election, some changes will be coming to the board in November's general election.

But first comes the May 20 primary election for the Democratic and Republican parties.

Council Vice President Uri Feiner is running for re-election.

.The seasoned leader and entrepreneur in health and wellness education is seeking his fourth council term.

Feiner has been instrumental in major people-first capital projects (sidewalk installation, the Mary Yardley Bridge), open space preservation, and technology improvements.

His passion for public service and pragmatic approach to governance have contributed to the borough’s steady progress, and he looks forward to continuing his work for another four years.

Councilmen Jared Stump and Don Carlson have chosen not to seek re-election.

Meanwhile, council members Kim Segal-Morris, Michelle Sharer, and David Appelbaum will not need to seek re-election until the end of their terms in 2027.

With Thompson vacating her seat and the two other departures, that means that three newcomers will be seeking their party's nominations on the May primary ballot.

The newcomers are:

• Jason Goldstein, a healthcare analytics and financial expert, brings over 20 years of experience leading teams and driving data strategies to improve outcomes. His expertise in leveraging technology for smart decision-making, fostering collaboration, and building consensus will be invaluable to the council. A dedicated volunteer and Friend of the Delaware Canal State Park, Goldstein is committed to expanding Yardley’s green spaces, enhancing accessibility, and improving community information-sharing initiatives.
• Martha Howlett is a professional in the life insurance and annuities industry and a Certified Enterprise Risk Analyst. A dedicated volunteer, she has served as a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line since 2015 and as an elementary school math tutor for Heart Math Tutoring since 2020. Howlett intends to apply her background in risk analysis to help Yardley Borough prepare for emergencies and worst-case scenarios, ensuring the community remains resilient and well-prepared.
• Paul Mencel, a business leader and entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience in strategic growth, team leadership, and sustainability. As CEO of Philadelphia Table Company, he manages a team of 12, driving innovation and responsible business practices, including participation in 1% for the Planet. Since moving to Yardley in 2020, he has embraced the borough’s community and sees opportunities to revitalize the business district, attract new investment, and enhance public spaces through sustainability initiatives. With a strong background in business development and a commitment to thoughtful progress, Mencel is ready to apply his expertise to help shape Yardley’s future.

Rounding out the municipal ticket is incumbent Tax Collector Christine Ventresca, who is seeking re-election.

A third-generation Yardley resident, Ventresca has modernized tax recordkeeping and introduced online payment options for the Business Privilege Tax, making payments more convenient and accessible for residents and business owners. She remains committed to ensuring a seamless and efficient tax collection process.

The Yardley Borough Council has mainly been made up of all Democratic candidates. At this time, no official announcement has been made by the Republican Committee of Yardley about its council candidates.