Fitzpatrick blasts two-party system, Trump’s ‘lack of moral clarity’ – Bucks Round-Up – January 20, 2026
Fitzpatrick blasts two-party system, Trump’s ‘lack of moral clarity’
In an interview with Philadelphia Magazine, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) said “the two-party system needs to go away,” calling it “a zero-sum, all-or-nothing game” that lets down “a very divided electorate that wants compromise.” Fitzpatrick has attempted to reform that system, proposing, for instance, legislation to allow independents to vote in primary elections. Meanwhile, the congressman is working to extend Obamacare’s enhanced premium tax credits and to effect other policies that often don’t match the preferences of his fellow Republicans. The interview underscored his differences with President Donald Trump who he said he did not vote for in 2016 or 2024, writing in Mike Pence and Nikki Haley respectively instead. Trump, Fitzpatrick said, displays a “lack of moral clarity,” particularly when it comes to Ukraine’s attempt to defend itself from Russia. The congressman faces reelection this November when his Democratic opponent will likely be Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie.
Coleman holds firm to remarks about Philadelphia, Krasner
State Senator Jarrett Coleman (R-Bucks and Lehigh) has stood by comments he made last week regarding Philadelphia and its District Attorney Larry Krasner (D). The one-term incumbent lawmaker told Fox News “Philadelphia wouldn’t be such a shithole” if Krasner prosecuted crime more aggressively. Writing to The Philadelphia Inquirer in response to a request to expand on his criticisms, Coleman declared, “My statement stands. The people of Philadelphia deserve better.” The legislator’s Democratic Philadelphia colleague Anthony Williams and State Representative Brendan Boyle (D-Philadelphia) both insisted the Lehigh Valley Republican should apologize for his characterization of the city. Coleman made his comments while suggesting he could use his position as a Senate committee chair to check any interference from Kraser or Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal as President Donald Trump robustly enforces immigration law.
Newtown supervisor calls for new police and fire facilities
Emergency responder facilities took center stage at this month’s Newtown Township Board of Supervisors meeting, where Supervisor Elen Snyder issued a forceful call for new police and fire buildings. Snyder described current police working conditions as cramped and inefficient, saying officers lack adequate space for meetings, interviews, and administrative duties. She argued the shortcomings go beyond inconvenience, limiting professional operations as the department grows. Snyder’s strongest remarks focused on the township’s fire stations, which she said pose direct health risks to firefighters. Citing national fire safety standards, Snyder explained that modern stations are designed to separate contaminated gear and exhaust from living quarters — protections she said Newtown’s facilities lack. Firefighters, she warned, are being exposed to carcinogens linked to cancer and heart disease. With two new fire engines expected in coming years and an expanding paid firefighting staff due to declining volunteer numbers, Snyder said new facilities are essential to improve response times, allow on-duty crews to remain on-site, and protect firefighter health. While no vote was taken, her comments signal that emergency infrastructure will remain a major issue for township leaders.
Fatal crash during weekend snow in Middletown Township
Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that happened Sunday evening in Middletown Township’s Levittown section. Officers responded to the scene near the Hong Luck restaurant on Veterans Highway (Route 413) at approximately 6:05 p.m. after getting word of a crash involving entrapment. According to an initial investigation by township police, a white Genesis GV80 was traveling southbound on Veterans Highway when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The Genesis crossed into the northbound lane and struck a northbound brown Range Rover. The impact caused the Genesis to flip onto its roof, police said. Multiple fire companies responded, along with the Penndel-Middletown Emergency Squad, to the scene. Police said the driver of the Genesis, who was the vehicle’s sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and a passenger in the Range Rover remained at the scene and are cooperating with investigators, police said. The Bucks County Coroner’s Office was called due to the fatality. The Middletown Police Department Traffic Safety Unit is leading the ongoing investigation. Police are asking any motorists with dashcam footage or witnesses with information regarding the collision to contact Officer Matt Balint at 215-750-3845 ext. 4114. The crash happened amid heavy snowfall. At around 7 p.m., there were more than two dozen traffic incidents on Bucks County roadways, according to dispatchers.
Suspects arrested in Bensalem robbery of pharmacy drugs
Bensalem Township Police arrested three suspects following a strong-arm robbery targeting high-value pharmacy drugs. Investigators say the suspects assaulted a delivery driver at Smart Choice Pharmacy on Street Road and stole medications valued at roughly $16,000. The well-known advertised drugs included Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Trulicity. Bensalem Township Police spotted the vehicle in the 3600 block of Street Road and carried out a traffic stop. The suspects, 41-year-old Joshua Dupree from Tamaqua, PA, 21-year-old Jahnoi Dawkins from Albany, NY, and a 17-year-old male from New York City, were positively identified by the victim and taken into custody. A search of the vehicle turned up the stolen prescription drugs taken during the robbery. Officers discovered that the suspects, Dupree, Dawkins, and the juvenile male, traveled from New York to commit the crime. Pharmacy staff reported that they had received suspicious phone calls and emails in the days leading up to the incident requesting information about the delivery order. Dupree, Dawkins, and the juvenile male were all charged with robbery, theft, receiving stolen property, simple assault, and related offenses. Dupree and Dawkins were arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Michael Gallagher, who set Dupree’s bail at ten percent of $150,000 and Dawkins’ bail at ten percent of $250,000. Both were remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility. The juvenile male was remanded to Bucks County Youth Detention Center.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
