Mathieu Sworn in as Council Member

The Bensalem Township Council may have been divided earlier this month on who should succeed Joseph Szafran on council.

But Monday, July 25, there was nothing but handshakes, hugs and applause as Zoning Board member John Mathieu was sworn in to fill the unexpired term.

“I want to thank everybody for coming out and showing their support. I hope I do you well,” said Mathieu not long after taking the oath of office from Magistrate Judge Joseph Falcone as he stood alongside his three daughters.

Mathieu, who is the preventative maintenance director for the local school district, told Patch after the meeting that he thinks his combined 14 years of service on the zoning and planning boards will serve him well. Asked what he thought the council's priorities should be, he said, it would take him some time to get acclimated before answering.

Mathieu was reportedly chosen earlier this month when Mayor Joseph Digirolamo broke a 2-2 council tie. Joe Knowles and Ed Kisselback had voted for him but Tony Belfield and Joe Pilieri voted no. Belfield was not in attendance at Monday's meeting.

Mathieu was reportedly one of seven applicants which included Planning Board member Marc Bourne, school board members Harry Kramer and Yagnesh Choksi and local Democratic leader Harris Martin.

Szafran, who attended Monday's meeting, resigned in June after being named county Recorder of Deeds.