5 Surprising Takeaways from the Newtown Supervisors’ Leadership Shake-up
Newtown Township Board of Supervisors Reorganization Meeting — January 5, 2026
Elen Snyder (outgoing Chair), Edward Merriman (new Chair), Phil Calabro (member)
Local government reorganization meetings are usually predictable—procedural votes, formalities, and little drama. But Newtown’s January 5th 2026 meeting broke that mold, delivering unexpected tension, a major leadership shift, and pointed calls for unity and collaboration. Here are five takeaways from a night that set a new course for Newtown.
1. A Contentious Start from the Outgoing Chair
The meeting opened with a pointed speech from outgoing Chair Elen Snyder. Rather than a routine welcome, Snyder argued that the two newly elected supervisors—Edward Merriman and Melissa Merk—lacked the experience needed for the board’s top leadership roles. She described them as “beginners,” said she could not nominate them, and then voted “Nay” on both appointments.
“Um, I think that without a minute of experience, it is not, and this is my own opinion, obviously, uh, there should be no chair or vice chair that doesn't have experience, no experience whatsoever. It takes a lot of work to be chair. ... How do you know what you're voting for if you don't know how everything works?” Listen to her comments:
The framing wasn’t universally accepted. A note from former Supervisor John Mack, who attended the meeting, described Snyder’s remarks as “extremely ungracious,” while also observing that Snyder’s own experience was “minimal when she was elected Chair.” The contrast re-framed the moment as more than procedural disagreement—it landed as a pointed political move.
2. A “Changing of the Guard” Moved Forward Anyway
Despite Snyder’s objections, the board proceeded. In a decisive shift, Edward Merriman was elected Chair and Melissa Merk was elected Vice Chair.
Both votes passed 4–1, with Snyder as the only dissenting vote—an unmistakable “changing of the guard” that elevated the board’s two newest members to its highest leadership positions.
3. The New Leadership’s Message: Teamwork
After a tense opening, Merriman and Merk’s first remarks turned sharply toward collaboration. Merriman acknowledged he had “a lot to learn,” pledged to work hard, and said he would rely on the experience of fellow board members. He also thanked former supervisors John Mack and Dennis Fisher for their “spectacular job.”
“I predict that this will be the best team ever.”
Merk echoed the focus on unity, emphasizing that differing perspectives could strengthen the board. She directly addressed the former supervisors, adding a practical note of continuity and support:
“Mr. Fisher and Mr. Mack, please keep your ringtones on because I might be calling.”
4. Grace in the Face of Disagreement
Even after pointed criticism at the start of the meeting, Merriman and Merk extended an olive branch to Snyder. Merriman thanked Snyder for her service and said he hoped to live up to her performance as chair.
Merk went further, asking Snyder to continue sharing guidance and experience—an explicit invitation to move past the initial conflict and work together.
“My sincere thanks to Miss Snyder for your service as chair and for your mentorship. I hope that you will continue to share your knowledge and experience with me.”
5. Public Service Continues Beyond the Board
The meeting didn’t just reorganize leadership—it also underscored continuity through appointments. Two former supervisors were promptly placed into other important township roles:
- Dennis Fisher, Jerry Schenkman, and Craig Deutsch was appointed to the Newtown Joint Municipal Sewer Authority Board.
- John Mack was appointed to the Human Relations Commission.
- Charles Feuer was appointed to the Zoning Hearing Board
Mack later offered public comment thanking the board and emphasizing the importance of educating residents about their human rights—an example of institutional knowledge and civic engagement continuing outside the supervisors’ seats.
Conclusion: A new chapter for Newtown
What began as a tense and divided meeting ended with a new leadership team firmly in place—and a stated commitment to unity. The Board has extended the olive branch and called for teamwork. The big question for residents now is whether this group truly becomes the “best team ever,” or whether the meeting’s early fractures shape the year ahead.
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