Ward 1 Candidates Face Off

The two interim Ward 1 candidates—Democrat Daniel Bernheim and Republican Joseph Carapico—both said they’d be interested in running for reelection later this year, when Mark Taylor’s term would have expired.

Taylor is resigning as Ward 1 commissioner (representing Penn Valley, Gladwyne, Merion Park and Wynnewood residents), mid-term on Feb. 16, and his replacement will be selected at that night’s Board of Commissioners meeting.

Bernheim and Carapico, both longtime Lower Merion residents who live in Penn Valley, introduced themselves and answered questions from the Board of Commissioners at the Feb. 9 meeting. Bernheim is a commercial attorney with the Philadelphia firm Wilentz, Goldman and Spitzer, and Carapico owns in Bryn Mawr.

Commissioner George Manos told Bernheim he seems busy and asked where he would find the time to serve his constituents.

“Like anything else, you juggle time,” Bernheim said. “A large portion of what I do is pro bono. There has to be some give and take… I have never done anything without my foot on the gas pedal full strength. You find time for those things that you want to find time for.”

Carapico was asked the same question.

“I’ve thought about that,” Carapico said. “The real answer is, can I afford not to spend the time? I will make the time available as the responsibility will or will not be put on my shoulders. I intend to fulfill that to the letter.”

Both candidates also said they are informed about township issues.

“I watch video of the meetings—you have your moments,” Bernheim said. “I know I would be able to contribute. I’m familiar with land issues, zoning issues, municipal tax needs, debt services and budgetary issues.”

Carapico said he’s spoken out as a member of the public at board meetings a number of times during his more than 35 years as a township resident. His public comment also included last year’s budget hearings, and Taylor noted Carapico had taken issue with the fact that Township Manager Doug Cleland was not a township resident and asked him whether that would continue to be an issue.

“I think I said what I needed to say then—there’s no point in belaboring it,” Carapico said, adding his one objective is to serve Lower Merion Township.

Bernheim and Carapico expressed a strong interest in preserving the township’s libraries and services, such as the snow removal that’s been necessary in the past few weeks. Bernheim said his commute to his office in Philadelphia was very noticeably different in the city, and Carapico said township crews were quick to respond to apply salt to his steep driveway.

Both candidates said they’d like to preserve such services in the township without having to continue raising taxes, and said they’re eager to explore new ways to do that.

Commissioners Phil Rosenzweig, Lew Gould and Scott Zelov left the meeting before the Ward 1 interviews to support Commissioner Jenny Brown in her run for county commissioner, as the Montgomery County Republican Committee’s endorsement convention was also taking place Feb. 9.

Rosenzweig apologized on behalf of himself and the other three Republican commissioners, and President Liz Rogan asked them to get whatever questions they may have answered by Bernheim and Carapico before the Feb. 16 meeting.

Rosenzweig and Zelov thanked Taylor and wished him well since Feb. 9 was his last meeting as a commissioner. Taylor in turn thanked them for their kind words, and said he would also support a colleague running for higher office.

“The circumstances are unique, and I would do the same in your position,” Taylor said. “I think that shows a lot of loyalty and perseverance on your part.”