Town government sees big changes

Times are changing in Berlin, with a major transition on the Town Council and a milestone for skate park advocates.

First, in August, the Maryland Board of Public Works officially approved a $300,000 grant from the state’s Community Parks and Playgrounds Program. Shortly thereafter, the town was informed that it would receive $487,500 in federal Land and Water Conservation program funds for the development and construction of the Heron Park skate park.

This influx of capital was no accidental windfall but was th result of years of planning, lobbying, and determination by town staff and community advocates.

Foremost among those advocates is Tony Weeg, whose organization, We Heart Berlin, has championed the skate park for years. Now, assuming the town can round up the remaining $142,500 needed to break ground, Weeg will have the pleasure of overseeing the project’s progress from the dais. He is stepping up to assume the seat held for decades by long-time Councilman Dean Burrell.

In this instance, “long-time” is an understatement. Burrell, representing the 4th District, actually began serving on the council in 1994—two years before the 4th District was officially created in 1996. He has seen it all during his 32-year tenure, working alongside five mayors, dozens of council members, and a handful of town managers.

While some might wonder how anyone could stick with a notoriously thankless job for over three decades, Burrell made his motivation clear in a 2018 interview with this newspaper. He recalled a conversation with his children that sparked his political career:

“I was discussing with them about doing your civic duty and doing all you can do and taking a part in local government by sharing your opinions… and I had to take a good look at myself and had to get involved.”

His ensuing involvement lasted nearly a third of a century, and the town of Berlin is undeniably better for it. We, alongside the citizens of Berlin, owe him a debt of gratitude. Thank you, Councilman Burrell.