Departing Mayor Recognized For His Service To Newtown Borough

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — At its last meeting of 2025, the Newtown Borough Council recognized departing Mayor John Burke for his years of service to the borough.

“I did not know Mayor Burke before we took this position together, but I have to say I have grown to admire and appreciate him and I’m going to miss him dearly,” said Council President Emily Heinz.

Burke served on council before running successfully for mayor four years ago, taking over the position from longtime borough funeral director Charles “Corky” Swartz who had served as mayor for the previous eight years.

Heinz presented Burke with a plaque inlaid with a Mercer Tile seal of the borough “in grateful appreciation for your many years of service to the citizens of Newtown Borough as mayor and councilor.”

Council President Emily Heinz applauds after presenting Mayor Burke with the plaque at council's last meeting of the year. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

From left are: Borough Manager Craig Totaro, Councilors Kris Bauman and Julia Woldorf, Council President Emily Heinz, Mayor John Burke, Police Chief James Sabath, Borough Secretary Judy Musto, and councilors Gina Tognini, Josh Phillips and Gail Foley. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Reading from the plaque, Heinz said Burke “provided steadfast leadership to the police department, served as liaison to the Newtown Fire Association and contributed to the fire services committee.”

She continued, “He also strengthened our community through his involvement in cherished borough traditions including the lighting of the Christmas tree and presenting the Mayor’s Trophy at the town’s Halloween Parade.”

Burke has also represented the town in the Memorial Day and Newtown Holiday Parades, participated in several business ribbon cuttings along the way, and helped raise thousands for Shop With A Cop through luminary sales and 9-11 remembrance events.

“I really enjoyed working with council these last four years,” said Burke. “Obviously I’ve always said my favorite part has been working with the chief (Police Chief James Sabath). I learned a lot and hopefully I’m a better person for it and hopefully the community has benefited as well.”

Former Council President Tara Grunde-McLaughlin will be stepping into the position in January as the borough’s first woman mayor. McLaughlin served for a decade on council, including stints as vice president and president of council.

Mayor John Burke with his wife and daughters. (Jeff Werner/Patch)