2021 Candidate Profile: Jesse Sloane, Bensalem Township Council

BENSALEM, PA — Bensalem Township Council member Jesse Sloane is seeking re-election in Pennsylvania's 2021 municipal voting.

In Pennsylvania, municipal primaries are set for May 18, with the general election scheduled for Nov. 2. Currently, Sloane is one of two Democrats on the five-member council.

Here is Sloane's Patch's profile, as filled out by the candidate:

Age (as of Election Day)

40

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Married with 3 children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelors of Music – Performance; The Peabody Conservatory of Music of the Johns Hopkins University. Bachelors of Science – Mechanical Engineering; Drexel University. Masters of Engineering – Nuclear Engineering; Pennsylvania State University

Occupation

Mechanical & Nuclear Engineer

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Bensalem Township Council

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/Jesse...

Why are you seeking elective office?

I’m running for re-election to increase government transparency, protect against over-development, preserve our communities, and continue to put the health, well-being, and safety of Bensalem residents first.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

We need to preserve our communities by protecting against over-development. The small amount of open space left in Bensalem is being gobbled up by builders and developers seeking to make a quick buck. Often these builders/developers have little or no thought or care for how their efforts affect the future of Bensalem residents. We need to ensure that any proposed land development projects are truly in the best interest of our residents and align with long term goals for the township.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have been a public servant for 15 years, first serving in the greatest Navy in the world as a Naval Officer and nuclear engineer, and now serving my community as a councilman. My hard work and dedication to honor, courage, and commitment, along with my devotion to perform this job with integrity, ensures that the people of Bensalem have a truly honest member of society working for them.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

N/A – Running as an incumbent

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I will always put public safety at the forefront of anything I do, and support our outstanding police department, one of the finest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, if not the entire country. We need to ensure they have the training and proficiency to handle the needs of the largest municipality in Bucks County. Additionally, in 2017, along with my Democratic colleague, we successfully advocated for a 200% increase to Bensalem’s homeowner’s casino rebate, from $100 to $300. If we can improve the township’s long term planning process, I believe we can find ways to save money and return even more funds to Bensalem residents. We also need to address traffic concerns and stormwater management problems, as we are constantly faced with these challenges as we support our residents.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

During my first term, my Democratic colleague and I have fought against over-development, opposing a 40-acre redevelopment project that will result in the removal of a building listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. We acquired over 24 acres of land for the preservation of open space. We successfully campaigned for a 200% increase to Bensalem’s homeowner’s casino rebate. We have always opposed the use of taxpayer money for political gain. We improved critical infrastructure by working with PennDOT, addressing flooding and future roadway construction projects. We approved a project that priorities housing for military veterans. And we worked with Bucks County Commissioners to establish a COVID-19 vaccination clinic right here in Bensalem.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

A professor in college taught me that if you put in the right amount of work each day, you will be successful. While at the time I thought it only applied to classwork, I’ve taken that advice with me throughout my career as an engineer and councilman, always putting in the hard work and effort. Any success I’ve ever had has not been due to blind luck, but rather a result of a strong work ethic and perseverance.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have dedicated my entire professional career to helping others, first through military service, and now through elected office. I am a servant to the public, and I only want what is best for this community. But this election is not about me… it’s about the residents of Bensalem. It’s about making sure that the people who choose to live here, grow their families, attend our schools, and populate our businesses have the best people at the helm making decisions that affect their everyday lives. We need the right people in place to make sure our residents are looked after, that their needs are met, and that their wants and desires are respectfully heard. I truly believe I am that person.