Newtown Borough Constable To Run For Mayor

NEWTOWN, PA — A former Newtown Borough councilman has announced he is running for Mayor of Newtown Borough in the upcoming 2021 election.

John Burke, 52, who currently serves as a constable for Newtown Borough, announced his candidacy Thursday.

A Newtown resident since 1997, Burke and his wife, Marybeth, raised their two children in the area. Their daughter Erin graduated from Council Rock North and is pursuing an education degree while their other daughter, Bridget, also a Council Rock North grad, is getting her degree in communications.

“My wife and I are so fortunate to have lived in Newtown Borough for nearly a quarter of a century. We raised our children here, involved ourselves in local activities, and give our time to local civic groups working to make our community stronger,” Burke said. “Newtown Borough is the epitome of small-town America – a place where people put aside politics and partisan bickering to address issues that affect every resident. That is what I did as a Council member and Constable, and what I promise to do as Mayor.”

In addition his role as constable, Burke also serves as a youth sports coach for St. Andrews Cross Country and Track & Field teams and has been a supporter of the Shop With A Cop event in Newtown and the Lone Survivor Foundation.

Burke was elected to Newtown Borough Council in 2009 and served on the borough's Environmental Advisory Committee. He was elected constable in 2015.

As a manager of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Burke said he will bring his experience in the private sector to find solutions to real-world challenges.

"My goal as Mayor is simple: bring common sense to our local government and achieve positive results on everyday issues ranging from improving our roads to providing for our police, firefighters and emergency responders, to ensuring our small businesses are able to survive and thrive," he said. "I know we can achieve great successes in our community if we all work as one for our community, and that is the effort I will lead as Mayor."

Newtown Borough is divided into two wards, with each ward electing three members of Borough Council. The mayor and council members serve on a volunteer basis and do not receive financial compensation.

The current mayor, Charles F. Swartz III, a Republican, was elected in 2013 and re-elected in 2017. He announced last week he would not seek re-election while publicly endorsing Burke for the position.

"I am very proud to have served Newtown Borough as Mayor for the past 7 years," Swartz said. "Now is the time to pass the leadership to John Burke. John has served on Borough council and as a volunteer to many committees and organizations. John has the experience to guide council and work with residents to move Newtown into the post COVID-19 era. I encourage residents to support John as the candidate for Newtwown Borough Mayor. Thank you for your support."