Libertarian running for Senate
John Thomas, the Libertarian Party candidate for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, spoke to voters at the recent Milford Music Fest.
The Thomas campaign traveled to Milford to speak to voters and collect signatures to get Libertarian Party candidates on the ballot in Pennsylvania.
Thomas is running to spread the libertarian message of peace and prosperity across Pennsylvania.
While Thomas knows he is a long shot candidate, he views the race as an opportunity to spread the libertarian message and pressure legislators to hear the concerns of Pennsylvanians.
“Ross Perot didn’t ‘win’ the 1992 presidential election, but he made the Republicans and Democrats work to balance the federal budget because his message garnered 19% of the vote,” Thomas said. “When we build a voting bloc of Pennsylvanians who want to end the wars, bring our troops home and rein in inflation, then we can force those in power to hear our message and know that if they want our votes in the future, they better adjust their priorities.” ••
Fitzpatrick presents Mae Krier with medal in Normandy
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-1st dist.) marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France, as part of a congressional delegation.
While there, Fitzpatrick presented Mae Krier, Bucks County’s own Rosie the Riveter, the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal. Fitzpatrick’s Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act was signed into law in 2020 and honors the more than 6 million women, like Mae, who served the nation during World War II.
In a statement, Fitzpatrick said:
“Standing on the shores of Normandy on the 80th anniversary of D-Day is a profoundly stirring and emotional experience, steeped in the indomitable spirit, unparalleled bravery and inspiring valor of the Greatest Generation. I am humbled to be here amongst the heroes who fought for our freedom and have the opportunity to thank them, honor them, hear their stories and witness the outpouring of gratitude and appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
“Among them, the incomparable 98-year-old Mae Krier of Levittown. In a full-circle moment, surrounded by all the fellow heroes she supported, I was proud to have the opportunity to present my friend Mae with the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal.
“As we continue to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, may we unite in reflecting upon the legacy of the heroes who stormed the beaches of Normandy to rid the world of fascism and evil. We must recommit to the values they fought to defend and always be inspired by their courage, bravery and patriotism.” ••
Information for volunteer fire companies
Auditor General Timothy DeFoor held an information session for Volunteer Fire Relief Associations at Southampton Fire Company #1 to help VFRAs effectively and efficiently manage the state funds they receive.
The event was sponsored by state Sen. Frank Farry.
“Volunteer firefighters are essential to keeping our communities safe and we have to do everything we can to support them,” DeFoor said. “Our job is to help them understand their role in accounting for the state aid they receive to make sure the funds are being spent properly. Events like this give VFRAs an opportunity to ask questions and get feedback.”
State Reps. Kristin Marcell and Joe Hogan also attended the event to provide support to the associations. ••
A call to implement Saracini Aviation Act
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Sen. Bob Casey Jr. sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Michael Whitaker, calling for the swift implementation of the Saracini Enhanced Aviation Act, which was signed into law as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
In a joint statement, Congressman Fitzpatrick and Senator Casey said:
“Over two decades have passed since September 11th, 2001, and nearly thirteen years since the policy requiring secondary cockpit barriers was introduced in Congress. The families of 9/11 victims have waited far too long for their government to act on requiring these lifesaving barriers. Alongside the indomitable Ellen Saracini, we have fought tirelessly to safeguard our skies and ensure the horrific events of 9/11 are never able to happen again. While we celebrate the monumental achievement of the Saracini Enhanced Aviation Safety Act finally being signed into law, our resolve to secure its swift and effective implementation remains unwavering. The time to act is now; we cannot afford any further delay.”
Lower Makefield resident Victor Saracini was captain of United Flight 175, which was hijacked and deliberately flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
“I applaud Rep. Fitzpatrick and Sen. Casey for their efforts to ensure families like my own, directly affected by the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, have a seat at the table where recommendations for a rule on the installation of secondary cockpit barriers will be made,” said Ellen Saracini, widow of Victor Saracini. “Our voices deserve to be heard and the FAA Administrator now has the authority to guarantee that we are not left out of the decision-making process. I hope that Administrator Whitaker heeds this call from our bipartisan champions in Congress to keep those impacted the most by 9/11 at the forefront of this rulemaking process.” ••
Learn about wills and estates
Bucks County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court Linda Bobrin will be embarking on her 2024 Senior Center Tour beginning in July. Bobrin and members of her staff will be giving presentations about wills, estate planning and inheritance tax at senior centers across Bucks County.
Hour-long presentations will be held on the following dates:
• July 9: Bristol Township Senior Center, 11 a.m.
• July 23: Bensalem Senior Center, 10 a.m.
• July 25: Central Bucks Senior Center, 12:30 p.m.
• July 26: Middletown Senior Center, 10:15 a.m.
• July 30: Morrisville Senior Center, 10 a.m.
• Aug. 20: Upper Bucks Senior Center, 11 a.m.
• Aug. 27: Pennridge Senior Center, 11 a.m.
• Sept. 10: Lower Makefield Senior Center, 10:30 a.m.
Attendees can expect to learn the basics of what makes a will valid, along with an overview of probate and inheritance tax. They will also be sharing interesting anecdotes, including unusual wills received in the office.
The Bucks County Register of Wills is responsible for appointing the personal representative of a decedent’s estate and is the agent for the state to collect inheritance tax. The office’s primary goal is to serve the public, especially when they may be grieving the loss of a loved one.
For more information, email Rachel Landsberg at ralandsberg@buckscounty.org. ••
Affordable housing grants in 6th SD
Sen. Frank Farry (R-6th dist.) announced a series of affordable housing grants that will benefit the 6th Senatorial District.
Grants totaling more than $1.4 million were announced by the Pennsylvania Housing Financing Agency, including:
• $500,000 for the Bucks County Housing Services Department to address housing insecurity post-Emergency Rental Assistance Program by supporting vulnerable households to prevent homelessness and enhance placement into permanent housing.
• $425,000 for the YWCA of Bucks County to provide housing and specialized services for human trafficking victims, aiming to expand capacity and reduce barriers to housing.
• $325,000 for the Bucks County Opportunity Council to provide housing, treatment and support services for incarcerated individuals with mental health or substance use disorders, and for probation and parole-supervised households experiencing housing instability.
• $175,000 for the Habitat for Humanity Bucks County to partner with low-income homeowners for home repairs and modifications to enhance safety and accessibility, preventing decline in home value and neighborhood quality.
“Today’s announcement of more than $1.4 million in affordable housing grants marks a significant investment in our community,” Farry said. “These funds will enhance housing security, ensuring residents have access to safe and stable housing. I am grateful for the Pennsylvania Housing Financing Agency’s commitment to addressing these needs through the Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, which underscores our ongoing efforts to strengthen neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for Pennsylvanians.”
Funding for the grants is provided by the impact fee charged on natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale region and the state’s existing Realty Transfer Tax. ••
Farry office hours in Bensalem
State Sen. Frank Farry (R-6th dist.) is offering satellite office hours the first Wednesday of every month, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bensalem Township Municipal Building, 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem.
Farry’s staff will be on site to assist with state government services; Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, birth and death certificate applications, SEPTA Senior Key card registrations and renewals; and unemployment issues. ••
Lower South supervisor meeting schedule
The Lower Southampton Township Board of Supervisors meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the Township Building, 1500 Desire Ave., Feasterville. The next meeting is June 26. ••
Bensalem Council meeting schedule
Bensalem Township Council meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building at 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem.
Meetings can be viewed live on Comcast Xfinity Channel 22 in Bensalem and on Verizon Fios Channel 34 throughout Bucks County. They can also be streamed live on the Bensalem Township YouTube channel.
The schedule is July 8, July 22, Aug. 12, Aug. 26, Sept. 9, Sept. 23, Oct. 15 (Tuesday), Oct. 28, Nov. 12 (Tuesday), Nov. 25, Dec. 4 (budget meeting) and Dec. 16. ••
Bensalem school board meeting schedule
The Bensalem Township Board of School Directors holds meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Dorothy D. Call Administrative Center, 3000 Donallen Drive, Bensalem.
The next meeting will take place on Aug. 27.
The public is invited to attend.
Future meetings are on Sept. 24, Oct. 22, Nov. 26 and Dec. 17 (third Tuesday). ••
Commissioners meeting
The Bucks County Commissioners meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Bucks County Administration Building, 55 E. Court St., in Doylestown.
The meetings are broadcast on the county’s YouTube channel.
The next meeting will be July 3. ••
