Mayoral Musings: The End of an Era in Lansdale

Mayor Garry Herbert•

Lansdale Borough Council President Denton Burnell.

As the Mayor of Lansdale, it is both an honor and a bittersweet moment for me to reflect on the retirement of a dear friend and esteemed council member, Denton D. Burnell. After 12 years of dedicated service to our beloved borough, President Burnell leaves behind a legacy of progress, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of Lansdale.

Before Denton's appointment to council, he played a pivotal role in establishing the borough's Communication Commission. His foresight and dedication were evident from the beginning as he served as an inaugural member of the commission, laying the groundwork for the public service career that would follow. In 2011, Lansdale's residents elected Denton as their Ward Three Council representative.

Throughout his tenure on council, Denton's constructive and comprehensive efforts on various committees showcased his steadfast commitment to enhancing Lansdale. His ability to serve our citizens and promote growth was unmatched, earning him the respect and admiration of both colleagues and constituents alike. In recognition of his exemplary service, Denton was rightfully appointed as the President of Borough Council. From that moment forward, he became like a lighthouse on the shore, casting a steady beam of calmness that guided others through the political storms we were weathering at that time to help build a productive path forward.

As president, Denton guided our council through difficult, yet crucial, decisions with a steady hand and a vision focused on the greater good of Lansdale. His leadership in financial matters, infrastructure development, and the overall quality of life for our community has been nothing short of exceptional. Denton's knowledge, guidance, and understanding have left an indelible mark on Lansdale's history, and his absence will be felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

President Burnell and I cultivated a strong partnership during our time in office. As a young mayor with ambitious visions, he provided grounding and emphasized the importance of incremental steps toward our goals. Through honest and constructive discussions, we navigated disagreements with respect for each other's roles, recognizing the value they brought to our community. Our conversations about larger visions and collaborative goals for the lasting benefit of the community are reflections I cherish and eagerly anticipate continuing with his successor.

As Denton embarks on a well-deserved retirement, let us take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for his service. Lansdale stands stronger, more vibrant, and more united because of Denton D. Burnell's tireless efforts. His legacy will serve as an inspiration for future leaders, reminding us of all of the impact one dedicated individual can have on a community.

In Lansdale, we don't just bid farewell to a council member; we bid farewell to a friend, a mentor, and a true champion of progress. Denton, thank you for 12 years of selfless service to Lansdale. May your retirement be as rewarding and fulfilling as the countless contributions you've made to our community.

(Mayoral Musings is a weekly op-ed column submitted to North Penn Now, courtesy of Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert. The views expressed are his own and are not representative of North Penn Now or Lansdale Borough.)