31 Jul 2025 4 min read

General Election Tuesday 11/4/2025

Chalfont Mayor: Brian Wallace
Chalfont Borough Council:
- Michael Beebie
- Jessica D Briggs
- Keun Su Lee/Kevin Lee
Chalfont Judge of Elections: Keun Su Lee/Kevin Lee
Chalfont Inspector of Elections: Janis Wozar

Countywide Candidates:

District Attorney: Jennifer M. Schorn
Sheriff: Fred Harran
Prothonotary: Colleen Christian
Recorder of Deeds: Dan McPhillips
County Controller: Pamela A. Van Blunk

State Judicial Candidates:

Commonwealth Court: Matt Wolford
Superior Court: Maria Battista

Court of Common Pleas (Vote 4):

Grace Deon
Chelsey Crocker Jackman
Joseph Pizzo
Colin Monahan

Central Bucks School District – Region 3 School Director – 2-Year Term

Sharon Beck

Central Bucks School District – Region 3 School Director – 4-Year Term (Vote 2)

Roman Szewczuk
Elizabeth Betty Santoro

Addressing Tax Increases and Governance in Chalfont: A Call for Accountability

Residents of Chalfont and Bucks County face mounting financial burdens due to significant tax increases at both local and state levels. A proposed school board tax hike of $1,500 per household, combined with the state’s $58 billion deficit—equating to roughly $16,000 per household or $2,380 per person—places an unprecedented strain on taxpayers. These figures demand scrutiny, especially when there is little evidence of tangible improvements in education or community services to justify the costs. Taxpayers deserve a clear return on investment (ROI) and policies that prioritize efficiency, accountability, and the well-being of our community.

The Cost of Governance Without Results

The financial challenges facing Chalfont are compounded by questionable leadership decisions. For example, the 2022 election cycle saw significant spending—$110 million, much of it to secure Governor Josh Shapiro’s victory. Yet, the state now grapples with a $58 billion deficit, leaving taxpayers to bear the consequences of fiscal mismanagement. At the local level, the school district’s lack of measurable educational improvements despite rising taxes raises concerns about misplaced priorities. Are we subsidizing ineffective policies and bloated administrative salaries at the expense of students and residents?

Leadership must focus on lean, efficient governance that delivers results. A $3,800 combined tax increase per household should not be accepted without clear evidence of benefits, such as enhanced educational outcomes, improved infrastructure, or a stronger local economy. Voters must hold elected officials accountable, supporting leaders who demonstrate integrity and consistency rather than those swayed by political interests.

Redistricting and Political Power Plays

Redistricting has further complicated the political landscape in Bucks County. According to the Bucks County Courier Times, redistricting efforts significantly influenced Democratic victories in two key Bucks County races and a pivotal Montgomery County contest, ultimately flipping the Pennsylvania House to a Democratic majority (Bucks County Courier Times, John Anastasi). While redistricting is often framed as a partisan issue, the reality in Chalfont is that these changes have prioritized political power over fair representation. This undermines trust in local governance and leaves residents questioning whether their voices are truly heard. Voters must consider these dynamics at the polls and support candidates committed to transparent, community-focused leadership.

Protecting Chalfont’s Community and Future

Chalfont’s challenges extend beyond taxes and redistricting to the broader issue of sustaining a vibrant, inclusive community. The local economy, property values, and quality of education are interconnected, and all must be balanced to prevent residents—particularly the elderly—from being priced out by rising taxes. Many long-term residents, including older adults whose children have graduated, are struggling to maintain their quality of life in a once-thriving school district. Over the past seven years, administrative bloat and a lack of focus on educational excellence have contributed to a perceived decline in the district’s quality, driving some families and retirees to consider leaving.

For Chalfont to thrive, leadership must prioritize:

Transparent fiscal policies: Tax increases must be tied to measurable outcomes, such as improved student performance or community services.
Sustainable growth: Policies should support a balanced tax rate-to-property value ratio to ensure affordability for all residents, especially seniors.
Respect for local culture: New residents and leaders should engage with Chalfont’s longstanding community values, fostering unity rather than division.

A Path Forward

Chalfont and Pennsylvania deserve leadership that listens to its citizens and delivers results. Taxpayers should not bear the burden of inefficient policies or political maneuvering. By voting for principled, accountable leaders who prioritize education, fiscal responsibility, and community well-being, residents can reclaim their voice and build a stronger future. The upcoming elections are an opportunity to demand better—let’s choose leaders who serve the people, not their own interests.