Credit: Brett Duffey/NewtownPANow.com
The Newtown Borough Council started the new year with a change of who sits on the dais at meetings.
In early January, Newtown District Judge Mick Petrucci swore in new officials.
First to be sworn in was Judy Musto as Newtown Borough Tax Collector. Petrucci congratulated her following the oath of office as she was joined by her family for the ceremony.
Gina Tognini was next to take the oath as Newtown Borough Councilor, followed by Emily Heinz and Kris Bauman, completing the swearing-in of council members present.
One notable absence at the reorganization meeting was Mayor Tara Grunde-McLaughlin, who was identified by the council as the borough’s first female mayor-elect.
Grunde-McLaughlin, a former borough council member, was sworn in later to take on the duties of mayor.
At the reorganization meeting, Petrucci noted the personal significance of the evening.
“Today’s actually a special day for me as well,” Petrucci said. “I’m celebrating my 10-year anniversary as the Newtown Judge.”
Heinz was reappointed as council president.
After assuming the role of president, Heinz called for nominations for vice president. Council Member Gina Tognini was nominated and appointed.
At a December Newtown Borough Council meeting, Mayor John Burke was recognized for his service to Newtown Borough.
Multiple speakers expressed gratitude for Burke’s leadership and steady presence in borough government.
In presenting a plaque to honor Burke, Heinz stated, “We present this to you in grateful recognition of your many years of dedicated service to the citizens of Newtown Borough as both mayor and counselor.”
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“John provided steadfast leadership to the police department, served as liaison to the Newtown Fire Association, and contributed to the fire services committee,” Heinz said.
She added, “He also strengthened our community through his involvement in cherished borough traditions, including lighting the Christmas tree and presenting the mayor’s award at the Halloween parade.”
“With deep appreciation for his commitment, service, and lasting contributions to Newtown Borough, we thank Mayor Burke for his service and wish him all the best in the future.”
Burke thanked the council for the tribute and expressed gratitude to borough employees, council members, and the police department for their work.
“Thank you, I really enjoyed working with the council these past four years and obviously my favorite part was working with the chief. I learned a lot and hopefully I’m a better person for it,” he said.
“Hopefully the community benefited in some way as well. I really enjoyed it and it was my honor. So thank you, I appreciate it.”
