Story by Asha Prihar of Spotlight PA

This story first appeared in PA Local, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA taking a fresh, positive look at the incredible people, beautiful places, and delicious food of Pennsylvania. Sign up for free here .

Mayor JoJo Burgess believes Washington, Pennsylvania, is “the best-kept secret” in his corner of the state.

Burgess speaks proudly of the two-century-old city of about 13,000 people, telling PA Local he’s “honored and humbled” to be its leader while highlighting its roles in American history and youth baseball.

The mayor, raised by a single mother in public housing, has lived in Washington his whole life. After serving in the Gulf War, Burgess began working in steel manufacturing and became involved in organized labor. He later attended

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