Human Interest - Bensalem Township

State Rep Candidates Side-Step Participating in Education Forum, LBS Tried to Find Out Why

Published

1 year ago

November 4, 2024

In June the NAACP of Bucks County and the League of Women Voters invited the 20 candidates running in Bucks County for those seats (10 incumbents and 10 challengers) to participate in a open forum on the topic of education. It was going to be the first of its kind event slated slated for September 12th, at Bucks County Community College’s Newtown campus- with the college’s longtime social science faculty member, Bill Pezza, posing questions solicited from the public.

There isn’t a candidate or elected state Rep who hasn’t at one time or another, talked about the importance of education locally and at the state level during this election cycle.

“This is an exciting and extraordinary opportunity to hear Pennsylvania State Representative candidates discuss their views about education,” said Karen Downer, President of the NAACP Bucks County Branch. “Our members as well as the public in general always want to know more about who their candidates are and what their thoughts are on issues that are important to them and their families. Education is a critical topic in the Bucks County community.”

“The mission of the League of Women Voters is to empower voters and defend democracy,” said Liz Fritsch, Candidate Forum Chair, League of Women Voters of Bucks County. “One of the most effective ways of empowering voters is to provide them with non-partisan, unbiased information about where candidates stand on the issues. This event allows voters hear from the candidates themselves about the important issue of education.”

Downer and Fritsch expressed their disappointment about the education forum never comin to fruition . They sent invitations to 20 candidates and received six responses they said in a September Op-Ed submitted to Bucks County media publications in which Lower Bucks Source (LBS) was included. \

Credit: Joanne Ames – LBS

rior to the submitted Op-Ed LBS was tipped off that the proposed education forum was not going go as planned due to lack of response by the invited candidates.

“We have candidates hiding in plain sight. Only willing to respond to constituent questions and questions from local media in very controlled environments,” said a more than well connected local politico.

In late August and early September LBS went one step further then the Bucks NAACP and the League of Women Voters seeking answers as to how candidates responded to the education forum invitations. The publication directly asked Joyner and Fritsch and Bucks County Community College officials about who responded and what did those responses contain. The NAACP and League provided the numbers but declined to share the names of the candidates accepting invites and candidates who did not.

After reaching out to each of the 19 candidates only three responded; current state Rep’s Joe Hogan (R) 142nd District; Jim Prokopiak (D), 140th District; Brian Munroe (D), 144th District; and candidate for the seat in the 145th District Vera Cole responded. Cole is challenging state Rep Craig Stats in a upper county race.

Credit: Bucks County Community College – Newtown

Prokopiak, who is apparently comfortable answering direct questions from local press told LBS in person at a campaign event that Cabanas his opposition also agreed to participate in the forum. Prokopiak said that participating in the forum was something he looked forward to, especially since issues focusing on education were of special import to him after serving two years on the Pennsbury School Board. “I was really looking forward to the forum, he said, now with it cancelled, an important opportunity for the community and candidates is lost”

“Considering that public education funding is the largest debated part of the annual budget, I think it would’ve given a good opportunity to let the community know the nature of what we do as state representative,” said state Rep Brian Munroe in response to LBS’ inquiry. Munroe added ” Being very pro-public education, I have advocated for increased funding without tax raises for our public schools. For these reasons, I have had well over $500,000 already spent against me just in this last 18 months by anti-public school billionaires.”

Candidate Cole said “I am disappointed by the cancellation. Education plays a central role in our community, starting with our children and their future. Education is a major employer, driver of property taxes, significant factor in property values, and key to lifetime opportunity through higher education. I believe voters deserve to know where candidates stand on all aspects of education policy. I said yes as soon as I was asked. I appreciate the League of Women Voters of Bucks County, NAACP Bucks County Branch, and Bucks County Community College for their admirable initiative to put together this bipartisan candidate forum.“

Which brings us to the last response, LBS received, coming from Hogan. If you don’t remember, he was elected to his first term two years ago winning the seat once occupied by now state Sen Frank Farry, by 76 votes over Democrat Mark Moffa.

Hogan, who declined to participate in the forum, however, replied to the publication’s questions said, “I did not believe a conversation on such an important topic was well served with the proposed format.” He was the only candidate to go on the record with a “No” response.

He did not side step the question. Hogan performed one of the simplest yet valuable functions law makers have in the commonwealth. He responded to a complicated question from reporters about an election-related topic.

The same can not be said for the remaining 17 candidates on the Election Day 2024 ballot (s).

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NJ Man Has Aggravated Assault Charges of Police Held Over for Trial

Published

5 hours ago

March 7, 2026

Jo Ames & Jeff Bohen

A Millville, New Jersey man accused of stealing a vehicle and subsequently striking a Bensalem Police officer last year, when attempting to flee a traffic stop had all of his charges held over for trial at preliminary hearing last week.

Late last month Magisterial District Judge Michael W. Gallagher ruled there was enough evidence presented by the Commonwealth to sustain two felony counts of aggravated assault, felony fleeing, felony theft and related offenses filed against Devit Sanchez of New Jersey.

According to the probable cause, on Friday, August 8, 2025, Bensalem Township Police conducted a stolen vesicle investigation at the Sunoco Gas Station, located at 1432 Street Road, The stolen vehicle was identified as a 2020 Acura ILX. white in color, bearing NIN97NMP, The vehicle is listed in NCIC as stolen out of Mount Laurel, NJ. Police were alerted to the stolen vehicle traveling in the area of Bensalem Twp.

Police saw the stolen vehicle at the gas pumps of the Sunoco Station and a male entering the driver’s seat.

Officers pulled behind the stolen vehicle af the gas pumps and another Bensalem officer pulled in front of it, and the driver reversed the allegedly stolen vehicle rammed a patrol car causing the officer’s head to hit the interior roof.

Sanchez then fled the Sunoco Station at a high rate of speed traveling Eastbound on Street Rd. Bensalem officers pursued the vehicle that fled onto Northbound I-95 exceeding speeds of over 100 mph. The pursuit was eventually terminated and the vehicle got away.

Surveillance footage from the Sunoco Gas Station was obtained by the Bensalem Police, court records show.

Investigators circulated the video surveillance to other police agencies and to the public depicting the stolen vehicle and driver. Through investigation, a suspect was developed, identified as Sanchez, according to the probable cause.

On October 7 , Police conducted an interview with Sanchez in which he allegedly admitted he was the driver of the stolen vehicle in this incident that hit an officer’s police car and fled.

An arrest warrant was issued on January 27 for Sanchez and he was arrested on Feb. 2.

Sanchez remains in County Jail unable to post bond although a county judge reduced his his bail to half of the original set, to 10 percent of $100,000.00

He is scheduled for a formal arraignment in Doylestown on March 13 and is legally represented by the Bucks County Public Defender’s Office.

No trial date has been set as of publication time

Human Interest - Bensalem Township

Pig Iron’s Franklin’s Key Returns This Summer to Light Up Philly’s 250th

Published

6 hours ago

March 7, 2026

staff

Credit: Pig Iron Theatre Company

Celebrated for its jaw-dropping special effects, imaginative stagecraft, bold costumes, and original score, Pig Iron Theatre Company’s Barrymore Award-winning production Franklin’s Key returns this summer following last year’s breakout world premiere that captivated audiences and critics alike.

Pig Iron remounts its hit sci-fi adventure June 11 to 28, 2026, at the intimate, 220-seat venue -Plays & Players Theatre- located at 1714 Delancey Street, Philadelphia.

Set across iconic Philadelphia landmarks and steeped in the city’s real scientific legacy, Franklin’s Key is an ideal cultural experience as the nation celebrates the Semiquincentennial. The show transforms Philadelphia’s history of invention, revolution, and curiosity into a thrilling live adventure, making it a natural fit for theater lovers exploring the city during America’s 250th commemoration. Fans of The Goonies, Stranger Things, Harry Potter, and National Treasure will enjoy the artistry and mystery of this thrilling live, immersive stage production. Last year’s debut generated strong audience demand, extensive press attention, and praise for its inventive storytelling and visual ingenuity. Broad Street Review called the show “visually mesmerizing,” highlighting its blend of history, science, and myth as “a timely look at who wields power and knowledge.”

Co-Director Dan Rothenberg offers, “This love letter to Philadelphia brings together sci-fi fans, history nerds, and science enthusiasts. We were so delighted to hear audiences say it was the one show that they could bring grandparents and kids to, and nobody felt left out. While the show offers adventure and humor that keeps younger audiences engaged, the intrigue of secret societies and a story rooted deeply in Philadelphia’s culture is sure to fascinate audiences of all ages. Our goal is to offer everyone a wild ride that makes history and science surprising and arresting and twisty.”

During the War of Independence, the British feared Benjamin Franklin could control the weather. Franklin’s Key asks: What if that were true? A mystery unfolds for audiences in an alternate reality where Franklin’s undiscovered technology has been hidden underneath some of Philadelphia’s most treasured landmarks for centuries. Set in present-day Philadelphia, Franklin’s Key follows two teenage prodigies: Temple (Jameka Monet Wilson), a self-taught scientist, and her brother Arturo (Alton Alburo), a gifted musician. The two uncover an ancient mystery, setting off a chain of events that draws them into a secret battle between rival factions seeking to harness the incredible yet volatile powers of Franklin’s long-lost technology. Aided by a cast of misfit friends, Temple and Arturo traverse hidden tunnels under the city, leading them from abandoned subway platforms to the iconic statue of William Penn atop City Hall and the building-sized organ inside the old Wanamaker Department Store. With time running out, the team must navigate a labyrinth hidden underneath Philadelphia, evade powerful enemies, and unlock the secrets Franklin left behind before his discoveries fall into the wrong hands.

Almost all of the original Barrymore Award–winning cast returns for Franklin’s Key, reuniting the celebrated ensemble that first brought the production to life and earned widespread critical acclaim in Philadelphia. Their return underscores the production’s impact and the continued collaboration at the heart of Pig Iron’s work.

Franklin’s Key runs approximately two hours with a short intermission and is recommended for children ages eight and up. Previews run from June 11 to 14, with an opening, invite-only performance set for Monday, June 15, at 7 p.m.

Ticket prices start at $45, with 20% discounts for patrons 18 and under or 65+, and group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. Click here to purchase tickets. To book a group of 10 or more people, please email boxoffice@pigiron.org.

Click here for more information.

Human Interest - Bensalem Township

‘A Tribute to the Tenors’ Salutes More than a Dozen Singers

Published

6 hours ago

March 7, 2026

staff

Credit: BCCC

Bucks Live! – the series of cultural events at Bucks County Community College (BCCC) that brings world-renowned entertainment to Newtown – proudly presents “A Tribute to the Tenors” with John D. Smitherman.

Smitherman, one of the original Three American Tenors, showcases his incredible vocal range, commanding stage presence, and heartfelt storytelling. With a voice equally at home in operatic arias and popular classics, Smitherman takes audiences on a musical journey celebrating the greatest tenor voices of all time.

The concert will be in the intimate Zlock Performing Arts Center, located on the BCCC’s main campus at 275 Swamp Rd. The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 13. .The Zlock Lobby Bar serves drinks and snacks starting 90 minutes before curtain and during intermission.

Smitherman pays homage to more than a dozen songsmiths, varying in style, including such iconic artists as Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Tom Jones, Mario Lanza, Andy Williams, Luciano Pavarotti, and others. The show features many favorites, including “You Raise Me Up,” “It’s Impossible,” “Magic Moments,” “Time to Say Goodbye,” and many more.

Reserved seating tickets are only $25, and free for BCCC students with current student ID.

Click here to reserve tickets.

Click here for directions and a campus map..