Familiar Faces Return to Bensalem Council

In the time since he last served on the Bensalem Township Council, Bryan Allen saw the birth of a second daughter and joked about becoming "a couple pounds heavier."

But, on Monday night, the Democrat who won a seat to the governing body he last served on in 2010, seemed happy to reclaim his seat during the township's reorganization meeting. 

Literally.

Allen thanked Republican incumbent Tony Belfield for sliding over and allowing him to once again assume the spot where he sat during his first term. 

A self-described "watchdog" on the Republican-controlled council, Allen told Patch he intends to keep his "eyes open and ask the tough questions."

"You have to build bridges and work together," Allen said of how he intends to accomplish tasks as a minority member. 

Besides ushering in Allen's second non-consecutive term on the council, long-time Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo was sworn in to begin his sixth term Monday night.

"What an honor," DiGirolamo said, thanking the roomful of residents in attendance and those watching on their TVs at home for their support. "It's a privilege."

Belfield and Township Councilman Joseph Pilieri, who's served on the governing body since 1996, were also sworn in to begin new terms. 

After Bensalem District Judges Joseph Falcone and Leonard Brown led elected officials in taking the oath of office, the governing body voted to elect Pilieri as council president, Belfield as council vice president and Councilman Joe Knowles as township secretary.