Candidate Profile: Ed Tokmajian For Bensalem Township Council

Ed Tokmajian is a candidate for Bensalem Township Council.

Age (as of Election Day): 45

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Family: Married 19 years, 2 children ages 21 and 16

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education: MBA from Holy Family University - Business Administration; Bachelor's Degree from Rider University - Business Management with minor in HR

Occupation: Pharmaceutical Finance Manager - 15 years experience

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Currently serve on Bensalem Township Council

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/EdTok...
https://www.bensalemdemocratic...

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking a 2nd term to continue advocating for an increase in Bensalem’s homeowner’s casino rebate, to further address road infrastructure concerns and stormwater management problems, and to combat over-development.

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

Over-development continues to present challenges across Bensalem, resulting in increased traffic, decreased open space, and stormwater problems. First, I intend to only encourage land development projects that provide value to the Bensalem community with low impact to the residents. Second, I would like to create an advisory board to review open space availability within the township for potential preservation.

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

There are significant differences that help me stand out, including both my education and experience. I currently serve on Bensalem Council, as well as the Bucks County Planning Commission. I hold an MBA in business management. I have over 20 years of finance experience working for some of the largest corporations in the world. All of this experience provides me with the knowledge and ability to manage Bensalem’s $60 million budget.

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

N/A – current incumbent

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

As I did in my first term, I intend to advocate for an additional increase in Bensalem’s homeowner’s casino rebate. Along with my Democratic colleague, we were able to successfully increase the rebate four years ago by 200%, from $100 to $300. I fully support the safety of our community. I will always support police programs that will help to ensure Bensalem remains a safe community to live, work, and play. I also intend to continue to promote a sustainable and transparent budget process.

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

I fought against over-development, voting against a large 40-acre land development project. I helped to acquire almost 25 acres for the preservation of open space just in the last 4 years. I fought for a $200 increase in Bensalem’s homeowner’s casino rebate. I opposed a $16 million budget deficit, vigilantly ensuring taxpayer money is used appropriately. I supported police programs that promote diversity and additional training. I was instrumental in resolving flooding issues along major roadways, such as State Road. There were a number of traffic signaling systems installed to help improve traffic flow. I worked with PennDOT to improve plans for a road reconstruction project along Rockhill Drive. I approved a project to provide housing for military veterans. Lastly, I worked with County Commissioners to open a COVID-19 vaccination site right here in Bensalem.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Hard work provides successful results.

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

In these last four years, along with my Democratic colleague, we worked hard to meet our campaign promises from four years ago. We successfully delivered on so many of those promises: advocating for more money back to Bensalem residents, fighting over-development, increasing budget transparency, and addressing many other issues when residents directly reached out to us. We are proud to serve Bensalem and can promise the same dedication and hard work that we have shown over these past four years.