Councilor Resigns; Newtown Borough Launches Search For Replacement

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — The Newtown Borough Council this week officially announced the resignation of borough councilor Amy Lustig and launched a search for her replacement.

Lustig, who was elected in 2021 and joined council in Jan. 2022, is stepping down due to a change in work status. She submitted her resignation effective May 10.

Since joining council, Lustig has served as liaison to the Environmental Advisory Council, the Human Relations Commission, and was instrumental in forming the Walk Friendly Newtown Committee. She has been an outspoken advocate for pedestrian and bike safety in the borough.

To thank her for her service, Council President Tara Grunde-McLaughlin joined the citizens of Newtown, Mayor John Burke and members of the borough council in presenting Lustig with a plaque decorated with a Mercer Tile.

“A year and a half ago Amy joined us on borough council. We’ve all been very lucky to have her considerate perspective, her thoughtful and well-expressed observations and devotion to her work. And we will miss her dearly,” said Grunde-McLaughlin. “She was always available for her committees and was a great advocate for them and I know they will miss her very much, too. For all this, we thank you very much.”

After accepting the recognition, Lustig thanked everyone who she served with on borough committees. "You are the exemplars of creative thinking, special communication and commitment to the community. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have worked with you and I encourage everyone in Newtown to get involved," she said. "It's incredible who you met, what you learn and what you can accomplish.

"I'd also like to thank the group up here and everyone who works in concert for the borough," Lustig added. "It was so great to work with such fair-minded, collaborative, thoughtful, kind and very hard working people. I can't tell you how much I've appreciated your support and I am proud to have served alongside of you.

"And thanks to my family who has understood why I have had to miss dinners and an occasional game here and there. You are the ultimate fan club and I look forward to our adventures ahead," said Lustig.

Effective May 10, the council will have 45 days to fill the vacancy.

The borough will be accepting applications and resumes through Friday, May 26 at 5 p.m. They should be submitted for Borough Council review to Judy Musto, Borough Secretary, at jmusto.newtown@gmail.com.

Candidates must be registered electors from the borough’s first ward (anyone who votes at the fire station).

Candidates are scheduled to be publicly interviewed at council’s June 7 work session with an official appointment scheduled to made at its June 14 council meeting.

The successful candidate will serve through the end of this year. In November, voters will elect their new ward one representative who will serve out the remaining two years in Lustig’s term.