Credit: Bristol Borough
Bristol Borough’s new mayor is a realtor and former school board president. He’s also the son of current Bristol Borough Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe.
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The council voted Monday evening to appoint Ralph DiGuiseppe III, 46, the namesake of the council president, to the job of mayor. He will serve through January 2024 and is eligible to run for election in 2023.
Joe Saxton, the last mayor, died in early July after years of medical struggles.
Council President DiGuiseppe said two applications for the open seat were submitted, and council agreed to select one of those applicants, his son. He didn’t mention who the other applicant was.
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With his family present, District Judge Frank Peranteau swore in the younger DiGuiseppe as mayor of the borough of about 10,000 residents.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Mayor DiGuiseppe thanked the council and community for supporting him over the years.
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“It’s no secret that I’ve supported each and every member on this council floor and our mayor when he was up for election,” he said. “I couldn’t be more thankful and humble that they’ve given me their support.”
Mayor DiGuiseppe, a Democrat, said Saxton represented the borough with the “utmost dignity” and he hopes his reputation as mayor is similar.
The new mayor said he’s been impressed to see Bristol Borough’s transformation over the years. He noted the level of demand for people wanting to move to Bristol Borough has grown over the years.
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Mayors in boroughs break tie votes of council, may take part in council discussions, oversee the police department, perform marriages, and are able to declare an emergency.
Mayor DiGuiseppe said he has respect for the work of borough police and firefighters. He noted he supports them and their commitment to the town and residents.
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As the new mayor spoke, his father looked on from the council dais.
Mayor DiGuiseppe said he will be guided by thinking of the future residents of his town, including his children and those of his sister.
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A father and son duo at the top of borough government is unique and sure to raise questions from some residents about separations of the offices.
Mayor DiGuiseppe, who holds a finance degree, was recently named vice president and regional manager for the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware markets by Long and Foster Real Estate.
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