Quinton Law became Moorestown’s first Black mayor on Jan. 6, after being sworn in at council’s reorganization meeting.
“When I first thought about jumping into this race, I didn’t think that I could win an election here in Moorestown,” Law acknowledged after taking the oath of office from state Sen. Troy Singleton. “But what I realized is, as someone that grew up in this community and as someone who has family roots here, two elections later, I feel that I’ve received that confirmation, and being on council for the last four years has been truly amazing.”
Law, a third-generation Moorestonian, was appointed to township council in 2021. He is a founding member of the Moorestown Alumni for Racial Equity and Inclusion (MAREI) and graduated from Moorestown High School in 2015. Law holds a degree in economics with a concentration in public policy and is a New Jersey government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).
“This town gave three generations of my family the opportunity to grow and thrive,” Law noted, “and to me, it’s an honor to have the ability to give back as mayor. I want to make sure that people know that this moment isn’t just about me.”
It’s also about progress and inspiring others to see that leadership is possible for everyone, Law believes. Seeing his involvement with the community has inspired others to do the same, something that people have personally shared with the young mayor.
“I believe that representation matters, because sometimes it’s hard to imagine being something you can’t see, and having diverse representation and leadership sends a message that everyone’s existence is acknowledged and valued,” Law said.
“Representation absolutely does matter, and being on council for the last four years has shown me how much it matters, because I see that in the feedback that I get from people in the community.”
Moorestown will be busy this year with projects that include the start of construction on the 100-year-old Main Street water main; continued economic development; and the establishment of a historic preservation commission, but Law is committed to getting it done.
“Over the past four years in Moorestown, I’ve seen that government can make a positive impact on people’s lives,” he said, “but true change comes when we, as elected officials, are actively engaging and empowering our community to craft solutions that serve everybody. That’s been one thing that I’ve been very proud of over the last four years, is when we have an issue, we try our best to engage with residents to find a solution that works best for that neighborhood, and we’ve had success.
“I’m looking forward to continuing that pattern, but also to use that collaboration to get as much as we can done in the next two years before I have to run again on council.”
Law thanked family, friends, residents and colleagues at the reorganization meeting for their support, including former mayor and council member Nicole Gillespie, someone he described as an extraordinary leader.
“Your laser focus, your innovative problem-solving and inclusive leadership has lifted Moorestown to new heights,” Law told Gillespie. “You led us through a pandemic without shutting down any government services, and put this community on a path to success. Beyond that, you’ve been a mentor to me, a constant source of guidance and wisdom and I have the deepest respect and admiration for you.
“We all owe you a debt of gratitude here in Moorestown.”
Also at the meeting, newly elected council members Sue Mammarella, Chris Keating and James Barry were officially sworn in by Singleton and Mammarella was elected deputy mayor. Mayoral and professional appointments were announced and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker delivered virtual comments.
“I’ve said it before, if anybody asked me why I was running, this town made me and my family feel welcome,” Barry recalled. “That feeling is the reason why I wanted to give back to spend my time up here … It’s because this town gave me and my family something special. And so I want to spend my time giving back and doing the best job I can, and that’s what the guiding principle is, (to) do what’s best for the town.”
“As we go forward just know, if nothing else is taken away from tonight’s meeting, you have a team of five (Keating, Barry, Mammarella, Law and Gillespie) people up here who have your best interests in mind,” Keating assured, “and we’re going to do everything we can to make you proud of tonight’s results, that we are your town council.”
“Part of what’s so great about being on council is the connections that I’ve made with the community, and outside of the community as well,” Mammarella observed. “I just wanted to acknowledge how fantastic it is to see everybody here celebrating this with us, and how much we really appreciate it.
“And how bad things could be and how good things could be right now.”
To watch council’s reorganization meeting, visit www.moorestown.nj.us and click on the live meetings tab.
