Outgoing Bridgeville councilmen recognized

Bridgeville officials recognized three outgoing councilmen with a combined 54 years of service on the borough council.

Bruce Ghelarducci, Bill Henderson and Joseph Verduci were awarded with plaques from Mayor Betty Copeland, recognizing their time on council.

Ghelarducci and Henderson were on council for 22 years. Verduci was a councilman for 10 years.

Henderson began working as a police officer for Bridgeville in 1986. He worked his way up to becoming sergeant before leaving for a career in the insurance fraud investigation industry.

His 22 years on council were nonconsecutive. He came on in the 1990s to fill a vacancy and subsequently won two elections, serving for 10 years.

“I decided not to run again as my kids were very active in sports and other activities and at the time, I was coaching several teams and several sports,” Henderson said. “It’s fair to say I left to raise my family.”

Henderson said he decided to run for council 13 years ago as his commitments to his children’s activities reduced. He won three elections and served an additional 12 years on council. He has served as council president, and as chairman of public safety, administration and parks and recreation during his terms.

“While I am proud of many things we have accomplished over the years, I am most proud to have been able to work across party lines to collaborate and work with my peers no matter their political allegiance,” Henderson said. “I have frequently said that there simply is no room for politics in small towns such as Bridgeville.”

Over the years, Henderson recalled working with council members to develop and progress flood mitigation efforts. He said he has experienced several floods while on council and has seen residents and business owners suffer property losses and emotional strains. It’s something that has left a lasting impression.

“While we may never eliminate the threat of flooding in our town, we have significant plans in place to mitigate future flood damage,” Henderson said. “We have secured funding from several resources that will allow us to proceed with these plans soon.”

Other points of pride noted by Henderson include council increasing civic engagement and public input opportunities, and hiring Manager Joe Kauer in 2020.

Verduci, who was council president, said the borough accomplished a lot over 10 years, including flood mitigation projects, park improvements and other upgrades that might not have always been visible to the public eye.

“These aren’t just projects — they’re proof of what happens when a community comes together with purpose,” Verduci said. “Now, some have tried to label these achievements as the work of one political party or another. But let me be clear: this wasn’t about politics. This was about people — dedicated residents of Bridgeville who rolled up their sleeves and said, ‘Let’s make our town better.’ And we did.”

Verduci thanked his wife, Karen, for her support, sacrifices and patience while he was on council; Henderson and Mike Tolmer, for their leadership and guidance; and Kauer, for his passion, hard work and creativity as manager.

“Bridgeville is more than a town — it’s a community that refuses to settle for ‘good enough,’” Verduci said. “We’ve proven what’s possible when we work together. So let’s keep pushing forward. Let’s keep dreaming big. And let’s make the next 10 years even better than the last.

“To the next council: the responsibility is now yours. Keep the momentum alive. Build on what we’ve started. Support Joe Kauer and trust his vision. Lead with integrity, listen to the people and never forget that every decision you make must serve the best interests of Bridgeville. The future of this town is in your hands — make it a future we can all be proud of.”

Ghelarducci didn’t return a request for comment.