No fireworks at a Democratic primary forum in Middletown – Bucks Round-Up – April 29, 2026
No fireworks at a Democratic primary forum in Middletown
The Democrats hoping to get a chance to unseat Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-01) in November politely discussed pertinent issues at a League of Women Voters of Bucks County forum on Monday in the Middletown Township building. Bucks County Board of Commissioners Chair Bob Harvie is the party’s official choice. His opponent in the Democratic primary is Lucia Simonelli, a left-wing Quakertown resident and first-time candidate. They disagreed on whether Pennsylvania’s primary election system should be open or closed. Simonelli would prefer an open primary so an independent voter could vote in a party nomination contest of their choice, while Harvie prefers closed primaries. After the event, Fitzpatrick himself went so far as to denounce the commissioner’s position. “With one word, Bob Harvie told the over 80,000 independent voters in our community, just months before we celebrate 250 years of our independence, that their voices do not matter,” Fitzpatrick said in a statement. “Taxpayers. Veterans. First Responders. Small Business Owners. Citizens who carry every responsibility of democracy — but, according to Bob Harvie, should be denied a full voice in it. That is the arrogance of the political partisan machine — arrogance of the highest degree.” When discussing their legislative priorities if elected in November, Simonelli said she’d prioritize accountability among elected and appointed officials and appropriations and oversight. Harvie, like nearly all Democrats, believes that Citizens United — the landmark Supreme Court case that ruled the First Amendment prohibits the government from restricting independent political expenditures by corporations, unions, and associations — should be overturned. He also said he wants to undo much of Trump’s budget bill, particularly its constraint on the growth of Medicaid spending and its new rules for the food assistance program, SNAP. Both candidates agreed the war on Iran should end. Simonelli did not take issue with Harvie other than to stress her “independence” and not being tied too strongly to party leaders.
Middletown renames park to honor late supervisor
Middletown’s Cobalt Ridge Playground will be named the Supervisor Anna Payne Memorial Park at a public ceremony Friday, May 1, at 4 p.m. The park is being renamed in honor of the late supervisor and advocate for the inclusive, accessible playground located in the Cobalt Ridge section of Levittown where she grew up. Middletown officials said the park is a fitting tribute that reflects her service to others. Constructed in 2022, the supervisor advocated for the unique playground. The space was designed to ensure children of all abilities can play together. Payne’s work helped shape a playground with wheelchair-accessible elements, solitude seating, interactive music features and adaptive swings that allow children and caregivers to sit face-to-face. Payne lived with cystic fibrosis her entire life and battled stage four cancer for the last four years of a productive life. She passed away at age 37 on February 3, 2025.
Pat Wandling is a veteran journalist, formerly of The Bucks County Courier, and was a mainstay on WBCB for over 20 years.
