Candidate Profile: Marc Stolee For Bensalem Council

Marc Stolee is running for Bensalem Council:

Age (as of Election Day): 63

Party Affiliation: Democratic

Family: Happily married to Mariana for the past 36 years with two adult children and two grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: My son-in-law works for the Governor of Massachusetts.

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration in Financial Accounting from National University. Juris Doctor Degree from Temple University School of Law.

Occupation: Attorney (19 years of experience)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None

Campaign website: You can find me on Facebook

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have lived in Bensalem for the past 29 years. During that time, Republican leadership has remained stagnate. I will bring a fresh, new perspective with a wide range of personal and professional experiences that will contribute greatly to the controlled growth of our township. Bensalem needs leadership that can effectively manage growth and I fill that need.

Bensalem faces many challenges, but also is an amazing community with engaged commerce and an increasingly diverse population. I want to use the skills I learned academically and professionally to keep Bensalem a thriving community. I’m dedicated to listening to Bensalem residents to address the issues behind community concerns. This attitude distinguishes my work and is what is needed on Bensalem Council.

I will work hard to make sure Bensalem thrives while continuing to be an affordable, safe, welcoming and livable city for all its residents, where all are welcome.

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

Traffic! I will fight for a long-term solution to the traffic congestion within Bensalem. Presently eastbound traffic on the turnpike must use Route 1 and/or Street Road to connect to I-95 South. If elected, I will use my position to ensure PennDOT takes steps to expedite plans for an interchange connection to I-95. Additionally, I will propose comprehensive traffic studies to develop and implement plans to alleviate the congestion on our township roadways.

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

I am proud to be running with two like-minded democratic candidates. The Council has become stagnate with the Republican leadership over the past 28 years. With our leadership we will balance the budget, evaluate and create a long-term infrastructure strategy, address the traffic issues and most importantly address the issues to increase public safety.

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

The current Republican leadership has failed to address the long-term needs of our community and instead has focused on the short term without a measurable long-term strategic plan. This, unfortunately, has affected all facets of government, including public safety, economic development, infrastructure, and renewable energy.

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

As an attorney and former CPA I am in a unique position to help lead and make accomplishments in Bensalem.