*Last fall Lower Bucks Source was working on a story involving a semi-retired older couple who fell victim to a contractor losing approximately $30,000.
Bucks County Director of Consumer Protection Mike Bannon stepped in. Bannon arbitrated a process in which 90 percent of the losses were returned by certified check.
Bannon’s presence expedited the refund the Trevose homeowners said.
No press releases, no pounding of the chest across social media about the “win.” Just a man who for 24 years took great pleasure, without fanfare, beating back scammers, shady business operators in service to the residents of Bucks County.
Over the weekend, Bannon announced he was retiring.
“It’s with mixed emotions that I share that I will be stepping down from my position as Director of Consumer Protection & Weights and Measures for Bucks County.”
It has been an honor to serve the residents and businesses of Bucks County. I’m proud of the work our team has done to promote fairness, protect consumers, and ensure that honest businesses are not undercut by those who refuse to play by the rules, Bannon said.
Bannon was instrumental in Bucks County instituting a lemon law for used vehicles, the first of its kind in the commonwealth.
In 2013/14 a Bristol senior who purchased a furniture set from a business operating on Rt 13 that suddenly closed down and Bannon was there to help.
He loved his job and had fun when it was appropriate, as depicted below.
He was also a reporter’s dream, in that he responded to emails and calls, answered questions and explained the nuances of enforcing consumer protection in Bucks.
Retiring Bucks Consumer Protection Dir at an event in Bristol Twp in 2024
Credit: Jeff Bohen, Lower Bucks Source
“To the scam artists and shady operators who thought they could get away with scamming our residents, holding you accountable was always one of the pleasures of the job,” Bannon said.
“My time working for the county has been deeply rewarding and fulfilling, and I’m thankful to the many residents and businesses, as well as the colleagues who made the work worthwhile. I’m sure many of the friendships built along the way will endure.”
“Working with the public here has been a privilege I will always carry with me. Thank you, Bucks County. It’s been an honor to serve.”
As to what’s next for Bannon,