Burt German Sworn In For Ninth Consecutive Term As MPWC Commissioner
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Having served eight full terms as a commissioner of the Merchantville-Pennsauken Water Commission and recently been sworn in for a ninth, G. Burt German has achieved quite a milestone: the second-most consecutive years of service for a commissioner in the history of the water utility.
“I like to think that I’m serving the community,” explains German, as he talks about his 40 years as an MPWC commissioner. “The MPWC, in my view, is one of the best run utilities in the state. We have a reputation in the state for having very well run, clean, up-to-date facilities. I like to think I m a part of that.”
Looking at what Mr. German has helped to accomplish since 1976 is extremely impressive, continually upgrading the water utility’s equipment for decades without severely impacting rate payers. And as he prepares to enter his 41st year of service to the rate payers of the MPWC, working diligently to provide them with the best possible product at the most affordable price, it’s hard to imagine that his legacy extends much further than that.
But it does.
Burt German is already a staple of the Merchantville area as a long time resident. But prior to serving as a commissioner for the MPWC, he had already had 20 years of service to the community. Mr. German has both served on Merchantville’s Borough Council and was its mayor from 1969-1974; is a life member of the Niagara Fire Company, retiring as a fire chief; and also served as fire commissioner for the Borough.
“I really have a pretty good feel of what works. Sixty plus years of service has been pretty valuable,” says German. “Still, I’m just the old guy that’s been around.”
And in addition to his work with the MPWC, Mr. German is known for another water-related activity: swimming. Whether it was for USA Swimming, the national governing body of competitive swimming in the United States; Middle Atlantic Swimming, which supervises competitive swimming in Southern New Jersey, Delaware and parts of Pennsylvania; Tri-County Swimming, a South Jersey-based summer league which re-named its championship swim meet after him; or the numerous organizations that designate referees for high school and college swimming, Burt has spent a veritable lifetime around the pool. Mr. German has refereed numerous national and international championships and still to this day is an extremely recognizable and trusted face to many a swimmer and coach.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time in swimming. It’s been a great experience. I hope that through my involvement, I’ve helped the kids.”
As for the future, Mr. German is truly focused on what might be his last, five-year term as commissioner. But never say never.
“As long as I’m physically able and mentally of use, I’ll still want to do it,” says German. “Providing high quality water to the rate payers at a reasonable price. Helping the staff do a good job. That’s what I enjoy.”
The staff of the MPWC congratulates Mr. German, not only on his achievement of nine consecutive terms as commissioner, but also his dedication to the water utility. His experience and wisdom are truly valuable and appreciated assets.
