Longtime municipal employee calls it quits after 44 years in government
Township Administrator Walter J. Corter will retire on June 30 after 44 years in government, including 35 years in Burlington Township.
Corter’s decision was made public during the May 8 Township Council meeting. Mayor Brian Carlin said he plans to appoint Public Works Director Stephen Fazekas as acting administrator when Corter steps down.
“The time has come to turn to the next chapter in the book of life,” Corter wrote in a public retirement letter to the mayor and council. “After so many years of climbing the mountain, it is time for me to finally enjoy the view.”
“Serving the residents of Burlington Township for thirty-five years has been an honor and privilege,” he added. “Hopefully during my rewarding career, I helped contribute to making Burlington Township a better place to live and work.”
In the letter, he also thanked current and former township employees and wished the municipal government the best in the future.
Corter was not present at the meeting, but councilmembers praised his work and service to the township.
“In my personal opinion, if there was a hall of fame for township administrators, I think Walt Corter would be one of the first people to make it,” said longtime Councilman George Kozub.
Carlin said he trusted Corter’s integrity and moral compass.
“He has been outstanding as an administrator,” the mayor said. “I always got an honest, unfettered opinion from him.”
Carlin said that Corter will be missed, but that the municipal leaders will be taking a “next man up” mentality.
“I’m more than confident our staff will step up and fill the void,” Carlin said.
Corter and Fazekas have been coordinating over the last several months to make sure the transition is smooth, Carlin said.
Carlin said he plans to appoint Chief Water Plant Operator Bruce Smith to serve as acting public works director.
