Time to End One Party Rule

Experts point to single party control as a power dynamic. Uh huh. At the Bucks County courthouse Republican party control is more like an ASSOCIATION dynamic. With the same party elected to the same offices for years and years the “one association” environment can get a bit too cozy. County contracts, contacts, and policy may tend to reward the “faithful”.

In the Bucks County Courthouse row offices today (DA, Sheriff, Prothonotary, Recorder of Deeds, Controller) only Republican Party voices are heard. It’s the same with plans and policies and who sits with whom in the coffee shop. A local reminder that gripes me every time I see it is the long term Republican Sheriff with his own name on a County vehicle. That car belongs to the taxpayers.

Having a loyal opposition matters to us all, as citizens and as taxpayers. New blood encourages new ideas, balances decision making, and brings different eyes to potential issues like the free advertising seemingly just handed to the Republican long-sitting Sheriff.

With the on-going craziness of Republican control in both Washington and Harrisburg, Bucks County voters have a great opportunity to send a message on November 7: “Enough already!” This election is our opportunity to bring Democratic “eyes and voices” into the Bucks County Courthouse. Here are the names I want to remember:

Rich Scholer for DA: Rich is a humble and hard-working straight shooter with deep Bucks County roots. He put himself through law school at night and prosecuted crime and malfeasance at every level under Lynne Abraham in the Philadelphia DA’s Office, but has also spent a lot of time helping the little guy with personal injury and fraud.

Milt Warrell for Sheriff: Milts’s long experience as a working policeman (including narcotics and SWAT!) brings Bucks a genuine Sheriff, a guy who has lived law and order. Judi Reiss, for Prothonotary, is an all business lady. She has accomplished Open Space improvements and community building first hand, as a mother, a teacher, and a township supervisor.

Check out Robin Robinson for Recorder of Deeds. Her extensive experience as an associate to County Commissioner Diane Marseglia put Robin in a place to hear complaints and respond to needs. She has run a small business and knows the importance of records and plans, first hand. Finally, take a look at Neale Dougherty, candidate for Controller. Neale is the guy who managed oversight of the New Hope School Board budget to the tune of 38 million dollars. Neale is a coach and a leader who is ready to roll for Bucks County.

When these exceptional Democrats get elected Bucks County will have bi-partisan government for the first time in years and years. In every leadership meeting, across all the Bucks County row offices, we will hear Democratic voices with ideas and concerns that benefit us all. I like the sound of that.

Ann Melby Shenkle

Doylestown