County Democrat Transition Team Offers Wishlist to Commissioners

June 18, 2020

Doylestown, PA– Bucks County Republican Committee today issued the following response to the county Democratic transition report.


“In this document, county Democrats have presented a vision for Bucks County that seeks to turn our beloved community into another Philadelphia. The report ignores the geographic, economic, environmental, and cultural diversity that makes Bucks County a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Bucks GOP Chair Pat Poprik. “Their vision asks Bucks County citizens to pay more in taxes, to pay more for services, and to endure more traffic and congestion, while employing more highly paid government executives without a meaningful measure of success.”


The report recommends the failed policies of urban centers like Philadelphia and Trenton. Bucks County’s cultural, economic, and geographic diversity make this community one of the most desirable places to live in the nation. Unfortunately, the report describes Bucks County as “too boring/quiet” with “simply not enough to do.” A resident in Bucks County can live and work in an industrial hub like Fairless Hills, experience cultural centers in Bristol Borough or Doylestown, or buy fresh, local produce or hike a short ride away in Nockamixon. The report recommendations suggest reducing “red tape” and barriers to develop more high-density housing. It even suggests that our great and historic township, borough, and county designations are “confusing, and rarely helpful.”


The report recommends inconsistent policy objectives. While describing the need to freeze county hiring and reduce capital spending, the report also recommends “resources” (i.e. employees) to coordinate economic development, renewable energy and sustainability, website administrations, and a director of “synergy.” While recommending more high-density housing, the report does not address the infrastructure strains caused by urban overdevelopment including increased traffic congestion, more students in schools, and increased usage of utilities. While the report describes the diverse number of small business spread across various industries as a strength, it proceeds to lament that Bucks County is not dependent on one or two, “big name” companies.


The report endorses GOP leadership that the Democrat commissioners inherited, despite the report being assembled by county Democrats. The report does not find fault with the GOP budgeting and accountability process.


Overall, we found a county leadership team that is talented, highly experienced, and motivated to serve the residents of Bucks County. These division and department leaders are proud of the work their units do for our residents and approach their roles with the perspectives of true public servants. And there is much to be proud of. We heard about several programs that were considered best of class in our region, and departments that were excited about doing more with less, having proactively introduced cost savings and headcount reductions in an effort to be the best possible stewards of our tax payer dollars. (p.120)


“Generations of Republican leadership in Bucks County built a solid foundation of good government that reflects our Bucks County values. It is disappointing to see the new Democratic Commissioners, and the report assembled by their appointees, are so focused on bringing Philadelphia-style policies to our county,” concluded Poprik.

July 22, 2026
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June 28, 2026
DOYLESTOWN, PA (June 28, 2026 ) – The Bucks County Republican Committee held its biennial reorganization meeting on Saturday, June 27, where elected committeemen and committeewomen from across the county united to overwhelmingly elect a new leadership team. The newly installed executive officers are emphasizing party unity and a highly strategic focus on the upcoming 2026 midterm elections and 2027 county-wide and municipal races. Ted Christian was elected as Chair, serving alongside Linda Mitchell as Vice Chair, Hank Van Blunk as Secretary, David Sabogal as Treasurer, and Colleen Strunk as Assistant Secretary-Treasurer. Together, this slate of officers was chosen to guide the local party's grassroots mobilization and long-term electoral strategy. Incoming Chair Ted Christian stressed the critical importance of bringing the party together to maximize conservative turnout in the upcoming national and statewide races. "I am deeply honored by the overwhelming support and trust placed in me by the hardworking committeemen and women of Bucks County," said Christian . "Our party emerges from this reorganization entirely unified and energized. As we look ahead to the critical 2026 midterm elections, our focus is singular: bringing Republicans together to support strong candidates, communicate our core values, and deliver decisive victories up and down the ballot." Recognizing the vital impact of local governance, Vice Chair Linda Mitchell highlighted the committee's long-term commitment to mobilizing voters and recruiting strong candidates for local offices in the subsequent election cycle. "The true strength of the Bucks County Republican Committee lies in our grassroots network and our shared dedication to our communities," said Mitchell. "We are hitting the ground running today to do what we were elected to do: get Republicans elected here in Bucks County. By standing united and engaging directly with voters on the issues that impact their families, schools, and businesses, we will ensure that our communities can thrive in capable, conservative hands." The election of the new officers comes after the retirement of outgoing Chair Patricia “Pat” K. Poprik, who concluded her historic tenure leading the committee from 2012 to 2026. Poprik’s lifetime of service to the Bucks County Republican Committee embodies the quintessential grassroots success story. She began her involvement as a local committeewoman, rising through the ranks to serve as Vice Chair under the legendary leadership of the late Harry Fawkes. In 2012, she broke barriers by becoming the first female chair in the history of the Bucks County Republican Committee. Over her 14 years at the helm, Poprik navigated the county through pivotal national, state, and local political cycles, cementing her legacy as a titan of local political operations and a tireless advocate for conservative values in Pennsylvania. "Pat Poprik has been a leader of this party for nearly five decades," Christian added. "Her dedication, resilience, and historic leadership have set a standard for all of us. She paved the way for generations of leaders within our party, and we owe her a debt of gratitude for handing over a committee that is strong, organized, and ready to fight." The newly elected officers assume their roles immediately. The committee is set to launch an aggressive voter registration and outreach campaign, working collaboratively across all municipalities to strengthen the Republican base in Bucks County and ensure a cohesive strategy over the next two election cycles. For more information about the Bucks County Republican Committee, upcoming events, or volunteer opportunities, please visit BucksGOP.org. About Chairman Ted Christian : Ted Christian brings over 30 years of political experience to his role as Bucks County Republican Committee Chairman. Currently a director at Duane Morris Government Strategies overseeing public affairs, he previously served as the BCRC's executive director. He is highly experienced in state and national elections, having led Donald Trump’s Pennsylvania presidential campaigns in 2016, 2020, and 2024, as well as serving in the George W. BusH adminstration. About Vice Chair Linda Mitchell : Linda Mitchell is the Vice Chair of the Bucks County Republican Committee and has served for over 40 years at the Newtown Athletic Club, where she is the Director of Public and Government Relations. A highly successful grassroots organizer and fundraiser, she co-founded People4Trump in 2016 and started the voter engagement nonprofit Bucks County Votes. She also directs the NAC Have a Heart Foundation, a charity dedicated to ALS research and other local causes.
April 1, 2026
Bucks Democrat has an interesting way of “taking politics out of public safety” with No Kings rally appearance
By Phil Mironov February 20, 2026
DOYLESTOWN, PA — Why is Commissioner Bob Harvie spreading unsubstantiated rumors to stir up political anxiety regarding a non-existent ICE detention facility in Middletown Township? Despite clear, high-level assurances from every relevant authority, Commissioner Harvie claims he has "credible" reports of federal plans to convert warehouses near Route 213 into detention centers. This rumor-masked-as-official-statement is not just irresponsible - it is a calculated stunt by a candidate on the ballot who is prioritizing talking points over the truth. The Facts Are Clear: Direct Business Confirmation: State Senator Frank Farry (R) took the proactive step of speaking directly to the property owner of the Middletown warehouses. The owner confirmed he has never been approached by the federal government and has no intention of leasing or selling to them. Federal Assurances: Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R) received direct confirmation from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that no such facility is planned for his district.  "Bob Harvie is more interested in a campaign headline than the truth, and it shows," said the Bucks County Republican Committee. "While he was busy fanning the flames of a rumor he knew was false, Senator Frank Farry and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick were actually picking up the phone and clearing up his mess. If Bob Harvie actually cared about the residents of Bucks County rather than just his own poll numbers, he would have worked with his elected Republican state and federal leaders to verify the facts instead of intentionally misleading the public for a partisan bump. The residents of Bucks County deserve leadership grounded in reality, not a candidate who uses the community’s legitimate concerns as a springboard for his own political ambitions.”
April 1, 2025
Bucks County GOP Announces 2025 Recommended Candidates Doylestown, PA - The Bucks County Republican Committee has announced its team of recommended candidates for the 2025 County Elections. Over the last several weeks, regional meetings of local Republican Committeepeople were held to screen candidates for Court of Common Pleas, District Attorney, Sheriff, Controller, Recorder of Deeds, and Prothonotary, and to vote on their recommendation. These regional votes were confirmed by a vote of the Executive Committee, made up of representatives from across Bucks County. The candidates listed below earned the overwhelming support of the Bucks County Republican Committee. “We are proud to recommend to the voters of Bucks County this qualified, experienced, and dedicated team of public servants and candidates,” said Bucks County GOP Chair Patricia Poprik. “We look forward to sharing their impressive record of protecting our community, supporting our families, and restoring fiscal discipline to county government.”  Bucks County Court of Common Pleas Grace Deon : President and CEO of Eastburn and Gray, P.C, the largest and oldest law firm in Bucks County, Grace Deon brings 32 years of experience as a trial lawyer in multiple areas of the law. Grace is a Past President of the Bucks County Bar Association. She is a graduate of St. Joseph’s University and Temple University School of Law. Grace is a 50-year resident of Bucks County, currently living in Northampton Township with her husband of nearly 35 years, Vincent. They are proud parents to their daughter, Aubrey. Grace is an alumna of the Central Bucks School District, having attended Buckingham Elementary, Holicong Junior High and Central Bucks East. For 30 years, Grace has acted as the President of the Distribution Committee for the Bucks County Foundation, a $17 million dollar community trust, that awards charitable grants and scholarships throughout Bucks County. Grace currently serves as a Board Member of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (“NAMI”) - Bucks County Chapter, an organization that supports individuals and families affected by mental illness through recovery-focused support, education, and advocacy. She previously completed multiple terms as a member of the Board of Directors of the non-profit Network of Victim Assistance ("NOVA"). Chelsey Crocker Jackman : Chelsey Crocker Jackman has spent nearly her entire legal career serving the residents of Bucks County in the District Attorney’s office, rising to the position of Deputy District Attorney. Chelsey has worked in both the Special Victims Unit and the Human Trafficking Division, of which she was Chief, and was instrumental in getting some of the worst offenders off of our streets and into prison. Chelsey is a graduate of Penn State University and Widener University School of Law. From 2021 to 2023 Chelsey was Deputy Bucks County Solicitor focusing on the legal needs of the Bucks County Children and Youth Agency. In this role she Co-authored the Bucks County Human Trafficking Ordinance and supervised and supported other Agency attorney’s. Since November of 2023, Chelsey has been an Associate at Begley, Carlin, & Mandio, LLP representing client in matters related to land use, real estate, and municipal law. She resides in Buckingham Township with her husband and two daughters. Colin Monahan : Colin has worked on a litany of matters spanning the legal spectrum from high value injury matters and federal Civil Rights cases to simple traffic cases. He brings a breadth of experience and a commitment to efficient, practical, commonsense solutions to bear on client matters. Colin has also had experience in the field of Election Law and regularly represents clients at the Board of Elections. A graduate of Lock Haven University and Widener University School of Law, Colin has represented clients throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Colin resides in Upper Bucks County with his wife and three children. For the past five years Colin has run the Law Offices of Colin Monahan after working in larger firms. Joe Pizzo : Joe Pizzo is an experienced and respected municipal and litigation attorney with more than 30 years of service to municipalities, school districts and municipal authorities. He graduated magna cum laude from Temple University in 1986, and he received his J.D. from the Temple University School of Law in 1991. Joe is the Managing Member of the Bucks County law firm of Pizzo Rudolph, LLC. Joe’s areas of practice include municipal law, zoning and land use law, real estate law, election law and civil litigation. He has served as solicitor and special counsel to numerous municipalities and governmental agencies, including Bensalem Township and Northampton Township where he currently serves as township solicitor. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Bucks County Housing Development Corporation, where he served as Board President, and on the Board of Directors of the Bucks County Community College Foundation. A native and life-long resident of Bucks County, Joe and his family reside in Bensalem, Bucks County. Bucks County District Attorney – Jen Schorn District Attorney Jen Schorn (Warwick Twp) took office in January 2024 following former District Attorney Matt Weintraub’s election to the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas. Jen Schorn is a Bucks County native with over a quarter-century of experience as a prosecutor. Throughout her career, Ms. Schorn has prosecuted all types of criminal cases including murder, child sexual and physical abuse, human trafficking, and major crimes, and is credited with helping solve a number of cold case homicides in Bucks County. During her time in the office, she has also served as the Chief of the Investigative Grand Jury, Chief of Special Victims and Chief of Major Crimes. She is on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Institute and on Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Association Education and Training Committee. Bucks County Sheriff – Fred Harran Sheriff Fred Harran (Bristol Boro) has spent nearly 4 decades serving Bucks County as a Law Enforcement Officer. Starting as a Police Officer in Bensalem Township and rising to the rank of Director of Public Safety in Bensalem, a position he held for 16 years before being elected Bucks County Sheriff in 2021. Over his many years in law enforcement, Sheriff Harran has developed critical insight into 21st century policing and a unique ability to bring people together. These skills define his approach to sheriff’s office operations, which involves thinking “outside the box.” In all situations, he strives to work collaboratively and create key partnerships—not only with other government agencies, but also with the community he serves. Bucks County Controller – Pamela Van Blunk, Esq. County Controller Pam Van Blunk (Doylestown Twp) is running to build on her achievements as Bucks County’s independent fiscal watchdog by continuing to focus on government transparency and conservative fiscal responsibility. Ms. Van Blunk’s education, experience, and training as a litigation attorney, small business owner and community volunteer make her uniquely qualified to serve in this critical role advocating on behalf of taxpayers. During her tenure as Bucks County’s Controller, Ms. Van Blunk prioritized the Controller’s Fraud, Waste & Abuse program that saved the county over $1 million in taxpayer funds. Ms. Van Blunk also implemented the Unclaimed Funds program which, in just two years, has returned over $700,000 to the rightful owners, including municipalities, police departments, school districts, small business owners, non-profit organizations, and residents. In the name of transparency, Ms. Van Blunk publishes all audits, financial reports, and retirement investments account reconciliations on her website. When re-elected, Ms. Van Blunk will continue to safeguard your tax dollars and promote transparency by ensuring the lawful, appropriate, and efficient receipt, maintenance and disbursement of county assets and communicating related information in an accurate and timely manner. Bucks County Recorder of Deeds – Dan McPhillips Dan McPhillips (Warminster Twp) is a lifelong resident of Bucks County, currently serving as your Recorder of Deeds. Previously, Dan served as Chairman of the Warminster Township Board of Supervisors, and as President of the Bucks County Association of Township Officials. As the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds, Dan’s office is responsible for recording and maintaining real estate documents in Bucks County. Dan understands that for the average resident of Bucks County, the single largest purchase they will make is the purchase of their property. That’s why Dan’s office offers a free Fraud Alert Program to protect your property. As an active member of the community, Mr. McPhillips previously served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Bucks County Community College Authority Board. Dan currently serves as member of the Board of Directors for the Centennial School District Education Foundation, and as a member of the Warrington Rotary Club. Dan received his bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University and his associate’s degree from Bucks County Community College. He lives in Warminster Township with his wife, Piyumika. Bucks County Prothonotary – Coleen Christian Coleen Christian (Upper Makefield Twp) is a former Township Supervisor, entrepreneur, and small businesswoman whose experience in both the public and private sectors has positioned her to serve as Bucks County’s chief clerk in the civil courts division. Coleen has modernized the Prothonotary’s office, and is committed to continuing serving both the public, and the legal community, in the most effective and efficient way. A graduate of Villanova University, with a certificate in Urban Planning from Harvard University, Coleen has been responsible for managing a number of projects in the private sector, coordinating significant budgets, overseeing a large staff, and meeting deadlines. During her term in office, Coleen Christian re-opened the satellite offices to serve residents throughout Bucks County and has streamlined the passport application process in the Prothonotary’s office and is committed to ensuring that the main office and satellite locations are providing the best possible service to the residents of Bucks County. These recommended candidates will be joined on the ballot by statewide candidates Judge Ann Marie Wheatcraft for PA Superior Court, and Matthew Wolford for Commonwealth Court. Candidates for statewide office were endorsed at a meeting of the Republican State Committee. Attached is a photo of the recommended Countywide candidates (Back L to R): Fred Harran, Joe Pizzo, Colin Monahan, Dan McPhillips (Front L to R): Pamela Van Blunk, Coleen Christian, Jennifer Schorn, Chelsey Crocker Jackman, Grace Deon
August 20, 2024
Calling all Republican owned businesses in Bucks County! Help us fill up our Republican business corkboard!  If you would like your business card displayed at our HQ in Doylestown, for our committee members and volunteers to see, please send them to Bucks GOP HQ – 115 N. Broad St. Doylestown, PA 18901 or email us at info@bucksgop.org with any questions you may have.
October 20, 2023
Please see the below statement from Matt Weintraub on campaign signs that recently appeared in Bucks County: “Over the weekend, I was disappointed to learn that my name has been used by the Marseglia-Harvie campaign without my authorization or permission. I’ve worked hard serving the people of Bucks County over the last 3 decades and have lived here with my family for most of half a century. I’ve earned my reputation, I’m proud of my good name here, and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the people of Bucks County as the next Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Earning the support of Bucks County voters, regardless of their party affiliation, is important to me because Judge is not a partisan position. That is why I accepted the will of the Democrat voters who wrote me in during the Primary Election in May. So, now I appear on both sides of the ballot. Unfortunately, in typical underhanded politics, the Bucks County Democratic Party seeks to capitalize on MY name, and MY reputation, for their own selfish reasons. I can’t allow this, and I won’t stand for it. In February, I neither sought, nor received, the endorsement of the Bucks County Democrat Committee, despite their endorsement for every other candidate on their slate. I was the only one not endorsed, and it was their choice. I was never consulted on whether my name could be used, and it has now been misappropriated in a purely political move by the Bucks County Democratic Party. Let me be crystal clear: my name appears on their signs without my endorsement or my permission. It is the worst kind of underhanded politics. I resent it, and I demand that they take my name off their signs, immediately.”  ###
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