Bucks County forum allows Dem hopefuls a pre-primary pitch to voters

A political forum was held on May 8 in Quakertown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, organized by Upper Bucks United, featuring Democratic primary candidates for the state Senate District 16 seat, which covers parts of Upper Bucks and Lehigh County. Candidates Bradley Merkl-Gump and Mark Pinsley participated, addressing various issues impacting people in Upper Bucks, including their differing stances on data centers. Both candidates acknowledged concerns about rising utility bills due to increased grid demand from data centers. However, Merkl-Gump stated his opposition to data center moratoriums, while Pinsley expressed support for short-term moratorium options to allow towns to update regulations. Other candidates for state and federal offices also RSVPed for the event, including Lucia Simonelli for U.S. Congress, and Les Mavus and Tim Hayes for state House seats, alongside independent and Libertarian candidates.