Moorestown Council Appoints First Mayor Of Hispanic Descent [UPDATED]

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Calling it an "evening I will not forget," Manny Delgado was sworn in as the first mayor of Hispanic descent by Moorestown Council at Tuesday night’s reorganization meeting at the municipal building.

Delgado was sworn in as Moorestown's new mayor following a 4-0 vote by the five-member council. He chose to abstain on the vote.

Stacey Jordan was sworn in as Moorestown's deputy mayor for the second time in her tenure following a 5-0 vote by council. She first served in that role in 2014, when she was re-elected, the same year Delgado made history when he became the first person of Hispanic descent elected to council.

They were both sworn in by State Sen. Diane Allen (R-7) on Tuesday night.

In Moorestown, council members are elected directly by the people, and the mayor and deputy mayor are elected by council members at the annual reorganization meeting.

Earlier in the day, the Republican Committee pointed out this would be the third “milestone mayor” in the last five years in Moorestown. Jordan became Moorestown’s first female mayor in 2013, and Victoria Napolitano was named the youngest mayor and the youngest female mayor when she was elected to the position in 2015.

"Being the first Latino mayor is special to me," Delgado said. "I think it speaks highly of the Republican Party, this council and this town."

"It shows what a truly diverse and wonderful community we are," Jordan said of Delgado's appointment.

Delgado went on to say that he hopes the group will be remembered not for their milestones, but for their service to the community.

"I hope we are remembered for serving our town with honor, and for doing what is right for the town," Delgado said.

He said he initially decided to run because he knew Jordan shared the same values and beliefs that he does, and he pointed to council's accomplishments over the last year, including the Shop Local program, renovating the Municipal Parking Lot, improving Camden Avenue and what he called "the rebirth of the mall."

"We worked with residents to find solutions to various issues," Delgado said.

Mike Locatell was sworn in to his first term as a councilman after his victory in November’s elections. He was sworn in by Burlington County Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio.

"It's humbling to be sworn in for the first time," Locatell said. "I hope to live up to the expectations of the people who voted for me, and to win over those who didn't."

Napolitano and Democrat Lisa Petriello were sworn in after winning re-election in November. Napolitano was sworn in by Burlington County Freeholder Linda Hughes, and Petriello was sworn in by Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D-7).

Various appointments were also made. Petriello voted against all professional appointments because each of the appointments was made for the fourth year in a row without sending out Request For Proposals (RFP). She pointed out that the League of Municipalities recommends sending out RFPs every three years.

She also voted against the appointment of Capehart Scatchard representatives to the positions of Bond Counsel and Solicitor because she disagrees with the conduct of Township Solicitor Anthony Drollas. Drollas was reappointed as Township Solicitor.

To view the full list, visit the agenda center at moorestown.nj.us.

The Moorestown Theater Company led off the meeting with a performance of the National Anthem.