Election 2023: Republican Pamela Van Blunk For Bucks Co. Commissioner

Candidates running in the Nov. 7 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.

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Republican Pamela Van Blunk is seeking election to the Board of Bucks County Commissioners. Four candidates - Democrats Bob Harvie and Diane Ellis-Marseglia and Republicans Gene DiGirolamo and Pamela Van Blunk - are vying for seats on the board.

Biographical Information

Name: Pamela Van Blunk
Age: 57
Town of residence: Doylestown Twp.
Position sought: Commissioner
Are you an incumbent? No
Party affiliation: Republican
Family: Married to Hank, 3 children, 2 stepchildren, 1 granddaughter.
Education: B.S., Rutgers Newark College of Arts and Sciences; Juris Doctor, Widener Univ.
School of Law graduating cum laude
Occupation: County Controller

Questions

Why are you running?

I ran for County Controller two years ago after watching career politicians make decisions that primarily benefit those politicians. I have been the fiscal watchdog of the county’s spending for almost two years and I have saved taxpayer dollars everywhere that I could. I am now running for Commissioner because I want to do more to serve the people of Bucks County and believe that my experience and education as an attorney and County Controller make me uniquely qualified for this position. We must provide law enforcement with the resources they need to keep our communities safe and combat the opioid epidemic. We must provide taxpayers with the transparency and fiscal responsibility they deserve. We must protect and preserve our open space and natural areas. We must provide the support our small businesses need to thrive and grow our economy. We must protect the integrity of our elections to make sure that every legal vote is counted. We must do these things and more in service to our neighbors, and that is my commitment to you as our next County Commissioner.

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

In a place as diverse and unique as Bucks County, there are a number of issues and challenges facing our families and our communities. That said, I believe that among the top issues facing Bucks County is the significant increase in crime this past year or two and the need to keep our communities safe. Supporting our local law enforcement community is paramount to both myself and my running mate, Gene DiGirolamo. We were honored to be endorsed by Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran, unanimously by the Bucks County Fraternal Order of Police and the local PA State Trooper’s Fraternal Order of Police encompassing Bucks County. Like so many other communities, Bucks County is also facing a drug and alcohol addiction epidemic and helping families and addicts is also a top priority. Other issues include a stagnant economy that is driving up costs and a lack of transparency and accountability in government. Locally, we must do what we can to support small businesses to create good, family-sustaining jobs. It is also up to the new majority on the Board of Commissioners to provide the public with transparency and accountability that has been missing over these last four years. Finally, I am committed to working to keep our elections safe and secure.

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

My experience as controller has given me a unique insight into county government, and I have seen how we can improve transparency, accountability, and accessibility for all Bucks County residents. More importantly, as someone who put herself through law school as a single mother, and someone who operated their own small business, I understand the challenges facing individual families across this county. You deserve someone fighting for you each day, and I believe that I possess the professional background and life experience to be your voice.