Bucks County Commissioner May Primary: Gene DiGirolamo, Republican

Candidates running in contested races in the May 16 primary election have been invited to provide background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Incumbent Gene DiGirolamo is seeking the party's nomination to run for one of two open four-year-seats on the Bucks County Board of County Commissioners. He is in a three-way Primary race on the Republican ballot with current county controller Pamela A. Van Blunk and former county commissioner Andrew Warren. DiGirolamo and Van Blunk are the endorsed Republicans in the race.

Name: Gene DiGirolamo

Age: 73

Town of residence: Bensalem Twp

Position sought: Bucks County Commissioner

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Married to wife Donna, 4 children and 5 grandchildren

Education: Bishop Egan HS 1968, attended Holy Family College

Occupation: Bucks County Commissioner

Questions

1. Why are you running?

We are so fortunate to call Bucks County our home. For generations, my family has built our businesses, raised our families, and served as elected officials right here in this community. Keeping Bucks County a wonderful place to live, work, and raise our families is, and always will be, my highest priority. We can do this in many ways, including preserving our open space and farm land, making sure that the services the County provides are nothing short of exceptional, and protecting our most vulnerable citizens.

2. What are your top issues and how do you plan to address them?

There are a wide range of issues that are facing Bucks County families today, and I am proud to have built a record of working to address these challenges. The sad fact is that drug and alcohol addiction is the catalyst for so many of the county’s most difficult issues. Budgetary demands, the devastation to families and addicts and the many social services needed to combat these problems are among our most troubling issues. Balancing fiscal responsibility with meeting these needs is a top priority for me. Additionally, I am committed to working to keep our streets safe, our elections secure, and our small businesses growing.

3. What in your experience or background prepares you for election to office?

My time in the State Legislature taught me many important and valuable lessons. The ability to find common ground without compromising my core principles allowed me to deliver real results for Bensalem families when I represented them in Harrisburg, and has served me well as the minority Republican Commissioner these last four years. With a new Republican majority elected this November, I look forward to using my experience as Commissioner to fight for our families, our students, and our small businesses.