Township Councilman Chris Keating takes his oath as deputy mayor from Congressman Herb Conaway at town hall on Jan. 5.
Councilman Chris Keating was sworn in as deputy mayor during township council’s annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 5, with Congressman Herb Conaway administering the oath.
“I’m confident that Moorestown, and the way we deal with all of the issues that face us, we’re going to do it and we’re going to do it well,” Keating said. “We’re going to stand up for Moorestown under the guidance and the leadership of our mayor. We’re not going to be bullied by developers. We’re not going to be bullied by businesses, including health-care systems that come into our towns and then try to weasel their way out of paying property taxes.
“We’re not going to acquiesce to bad deals being pushed by out-of-town interests,” he added. “It’s not in the best interest of our town, and it’s not in the best interest of our kids.”
Exciting things are happening for Moorestown this year, according to Keating, including improvements to hockey rinks by the Wesley Bishop Park/Fields; the addition of more AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) to playing fields; an all-inclusive playground at Wesley Bishop Park; an entertainment center at the Moorestown Mall; and a band shell that will include a concrete stage; brick walkway; and benches for recreation, community events and leisure.
Councilman James Barry (left to right), Mayor Quinton Law, Deputy Mayor Chris Keating, Councilwoman Sue Mammarella and Congressman Herb Conaway.
“These are all things that are going to make this place a better place to live and raise our families,” Keating noted. “Lastly, on the topic of unity … (these divisive times) might be the national trend, but it’s not the Moorestown trend. In this town, there is no blue issue or red issue. There’s no blue people or red people. There are Moorestown issues, and if you work with us and come to us with those issues, we’re going to find Moorestown solutions.
“My door is always open. I look forward to serving you as your deputy mayor.”
Following Keating’s remarks, Councilwoman Sue Mammarella and Councilman James Barry – Councilwoman Nicole Gillespie recently announced her resignation, citing career changes – professional appointment resolutions were adopted and mayoral appointments announced. But before that, Mayor Quinton Law mentioned in his remarks that when he thinks about 2025 in Moorestown, he believes that the township has seen tangible progress.
Last year, council moved long-delayed projects forward, like the beginning phases of the water main replacement project on Main Street and redevelopment at the Moorestown Mall with the Pearl Apartments. Council has also made major strides to protect what makes the township special by passing a historic preservation ordinance and working with local nonprofits to protect buildings in the community that date back to the 1700s.
“We’re doing this while still investing and planning responsibly for the future,” Law explained. “ … And thank you to the residents. You engage with us, you email us, you show up, you ask the hard questions and you push us to be better representatives for you.
“As we head into 2027, please know that our mission remains the same,” he added. “We’re going to continue to prioritize transparency in government, because you deserve to stay informed, understand how our decisions are made and know the outcomes that we’re driving towards.”
