Fitzpatrick the only Republican cosponsoring contract worker back-pay bill – Bucks Round-Up – October 13, 2025
Fitzpatrick the only Republican cosponsoring contract worker back-pay bill
U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) is the only GOP member of his chamber so far to sign onto a bill promising back pay for thousands of federal workers who are not government employees amidst the government shutdown. These include food-service workers, security professionals, and janitors who do not enjoy the same back-pay guarantees that federal employees have. “Federal workers should never be used as pawns in policy disputes,” Fitzpatrick told the press. “These are people that are largely living paycheck to paycheck. They have families, they have to feed their families, they have bills to pay, and they should not get caught up in the gridlock of hyper-partisanship.” The legislation, sponsored by left-wing “Squad” member Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), comes in response to an impasse that is nearing its third week and that resulted from Senate Democrats filibustering a Republican-sponsored government-funding plan.
Yardley man sentenced for anti-Trump harassment campaign
A Yardley man will serve up to 23 months in county jail for a politically motivated harassment spree targeting Trump supporters in Lower Makefield Township. Alaric Dalberg, 64, pleaded guilty to stalking, criminal mischief, and related offenses after scattering screws and nails near homes and vehicles of residents displaying pro-Trump signs ahead of the 2024 election. Judge Wallace Bateman called the crimes “calculated” and “completely unacceptable,” sentencing Dalberg to jail time, probation, and community service. District Attorney Jennifer Schorn praised investigators, stressing that politically motivated intimidation “will not be tolerated” in Bucks County.
Bristol Borough sewer rates to rise in 2026
Bristol Borough residents will see higher water and sewer bills starting January 1, 2026, as the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority (BCWSA) implements previously approved rate changes tied to its 2022 acquisition of the borough’s sewer system. Under the new structure, a typical household using about 4,000 gallons per month will pay roughly $20 more each month. Smaller households will see smaller increases. The borough will also switch from quarterly to monthly billing. BCWSA has invested more than $2.2 million in upgrades since taking over the system, including new monitoring technology, security improvements, and infrastructure repairs. The authority also contributed an extra $1 million for bridge repairs at the treatment plant — costs that would have otherwise fallen to borough taxpayers. CEO Benjamin Jones said the rate adjustments are necessary to sustain system reliability and future improvements, adding that the authority remains committed to transparency and customer service.
Newtown Township adds two firefighters amid staffing needs
Newtown Township’s fire department has expanded its full-time staff with the addition of two career firefighters, Chris Bacanskas and Ryan Thomas. Both were officially sworn in at the latest Board of Supervisors meeting. Fire Chief Glen Forsyth said the hires are essential to maintaining reliable service as volunteer numbers continue to decline. “We need to continue to grow to meet the needs of the community,” Forsyth said, noting the department’s ongoing efforts to balance personnel and resources as call volumes increase.
Newtown Township officials debate possible storage site where old bank building is
Newtown Township officials debated several land-use changes last week, including a potential mini-storage facility at 98 Upper Silver Lake Road where a TD Bank used to be headquartered. In place of the bank, a three-story building with up to 800 units and a manager’s apartment is envisioned. Planning Commission Chair Peggy Driscoll noted that a current township ordinance does not permit a mixture of industrial and residential use. Supervisor John Mack (D) objected to the idea of permitting such a combination. “It seems like a dangerous situation,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to live there in a single apartment in that building.” Driscoll said supporters contend that a live-in caretaker could resolve safety concerns.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
