Newly elected Coplay Borough Mayor Stephen Burker is eager to continue to serve Coplay with the same “pride, integrity and passion” as he did as a council member.

“Only my title is changing,” Burker said.

When he initially ran for borough council eight years ago, Burker said his campaign slogan was “working with and for the people of Coplay.” He noted this sentiment is still true.

Burker, a Democrat, received the oath of office Jan. 3 by Magisterial District Judge Todd Heffelfinger.

Burker said he is looking forward to continuing to work with his colleagues to serve Coplay in the best way possible. He served as a council member under former mayors Joe Bundra and Dean Molitoris. He also served on the planning and parks and recreation committees.

These past eight years on council afforded Burker a “valuable opportunity to grow,” he noted.

“I never could have imagined my journey here on Earth would be to go from co-chair of Coplay Community Days to borough council and chair of parks and recreation for the past seven years and now mayor of the ‘little town that could,’” Burker said.

As mayor, Burker cannot vote on council issues, and he cannot be a committee chairman; however, he can still fully participate in all other areas. He had carefully considered where he could do the most good for the borough of Coplay and enhance the lives of the residents.

He believes he can accomplish this best in the position of mayor.

“I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead, and I will continue to work on enhancing the lifestyle of all who call Coplay home,” Burker said.

He noted it is important he and the other borough officials and leaders remember they were elected by the people of Coplay.

“Together with my colleagues, I look forward to continuing to enhance the lifestyle of all who call Coplay - ‘God’s one-square-mile little masterpiece’ - home,” he said.

Burker added they must strive to do what is best for the borough and to keep its residents in mind.

“We did not come this far to fail,” Burker said.