Candidates running in the Nov. 3 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 —Democrat Bryan Allen is running for election as a Democrat for state representative in the 18th Legislative District against Republican incumbent Katheleen "K.C." Tomlinson in the Nov. 3 general election.
Name: Bryan Allen
Age: 48
Town of residence: Bensalem Township
Position sought: State Representative for the 18th Legislative District
Are you an incumbent?: No
What Towns Does Your District Cover?: Bensalem Township and Hulmeville Borough
Party affiliation: Democrat
Family: Wife and three kids who attend schools in the Bensalem Township School District: Brady at Valley, Emily at Snyder, and Lucy at Bensalem High School. My parents still live here in Bensalem, too.
Education: Conwell-Egan High School and Bloomsburg University with a BA in Political Science
Occupation: Former Chief of Staff to State Representative Tina Davis
1. What is your stance on data centers in your district?
As a former Bensalem Council Member, I strongly support the council's temporary moratorium on data center proposals so we can draft a strict local ordinance — these massive projects cannot be rushed into our neighborhoods without clear accountability.
There shouldn't be a data center here if our community doesn't want one and doesn't agree to the terms. Across the country, we have seen how unchecked data centers strain the grid, deplete and pollute our water, and cause everyday electric bills to skyrocket.
Lower Bucks County families should never be forced to subsidize big tech's utility needs, and we certainly shouldn't be handing out tax breaks to tech billionaires.
In Harrisburg, I will fight to ensure big tech covers 100 percent of its own clean energy and infrastructure costs so local ratepayers are never left holding the bag.
2. What is the best plan for development in your district?
I live within walking distance of the Neshaminy Mall, so the site's future is of great concern and interest to me. Land use and zoning decisions belong to our local township, so I would not have a vote on any land development plans for the site.
If it is something that is in the best interest of the community, however, there is potential to bring state grant funding or loans back to help make the project successful.
As a neighboring resident, I'd like to see some outdoor, walkable shopping and restaurants, similar to the Shops at Valley Square in Warrington.
Getting the Neshaminy Mall redevelopment right is a huge key for our community in terms of revitalizing the tax base, creating jobs, increasing property values and improving the quality of life for residents.
3. What are some of the top issues in your district?
(Public school funding & lowering school taxes)
A pressing issue affecting my community is Pennsylvania's outdated public education funding system. Inadequate state funding forces local school districts to rely heavily on property taxes, placing a heavy financial strain on working families and seniors living on fixed incomes.
The first bill I will co-sponsor as your State Representative is HB2634 to fix our outdated charter special education funding formula. Currently, charter schools receive a flat, lump-sum payout per special education student, regardless of the actual level of care or resources that child requires.
This flaw drains millions from our traditional public schools — a reality made painfully clear by our district's $17M deficit and recent teacher layoffs. If the state starts living up to its constitutional duty to adequately fund our schools, the burden will be lessened for local districts and school property taxpayers.
(Lowering Energy Bills & Holding Big Tech and Energy Companies accountable)
Another pressing issue affecting my community is the skyrocketing cost of household utility bills driven by unchecked energy demands.
An overburdened power grid and rising utility rates force local residents to shoulder unfair costs. Currently, multi-billion-dollar tech corporations can build massive facilities, like data centers, while shifting the expensive costs of grid upgrades directly onto everyday residential ratepayers. This unfair loophole threatens to send family electric bills through the roof while stalling clean energy progress.
(Protecting & Expanding Access to Affordable, High-Quality Healthcare)
Another urgent issue affecting my community is the soaring cost of healthcare and life-saving prescription drugs. Rising out-of-pocket expenses and insurance barriers force far too many people to choose between essential medications and basic living expenses.
In Harrisburg, I will fight to expand access to affordable care, back legislation to rein in prescription drug price-gouging, expand mental health services, and co-sponsor House Bill 1460 to stop predatory private-equity firms from gutting and shuttering our local community hospitals.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Bensalem Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.