Town Hires Its First Manager

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, Pa. -- Ending a long search, this Bucks County, Pa., town finally has named a Delaware County town administrator who last year won Pennsylvania Governor’s Awards for Local Excellence as its first-ever borough manger.

Craig Totaro, who for16 years was Lansdowne Borough manager and who since February has been intern administrator with Rutledge Borough, recently was selected for the Newtown Borough post of manager and treasurer effective May 28 at an annual salary of $140,000.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Julia Woldorf, Newtown Borough council member. “We’ve been talking about having a borough manager since probably about 2007.”

While Totaro was manager last year, Lansdown Borough was recognized with the Governor’s Awards for three projects: a borough bicycle loop, tot lot and Gateway Slope Parkway. He also was successful in Lansdown in securing numerous grants, including for a theater project and a planned Veterans Pathway.

“He will bring excellence, experience, knowledge and skill, and will be a great leader to get Newtown Borough moving forward in a better direction,” said Woldorf.

Council President Emily Heinz said Totaro is “very well qualified” for the position.

Said she: “He’s excited to move us into a new form of government.”

Newtown Borough always had been managed by a fulltime secretary and fulltime treasurer. When longtime treasurer Pat Ours announced resignation in 2023, council began an intense search for a new borough manager.

Council member Josh Phillips said the new manager has a “very impressive” resume and personality.

“He will be bringing a great skill set and wonderful demeanor to the borough,” said Phillips. “I look forward to working with him and I can’t wait for everyone to meet him.”

Totaro was successful and well liked in Lansdowne Borough, said Benjamin Hover, Lansdowne Borough council president.

“He has been very successful over 16 years,” said Hover.

(Sounds like the perfect selection was made. Your thoughts?)

Newtown Borough has hired its first manager, who will be busy with lots of paperwork.Photo byScott GrahamonUnsplash