Social Justice Advocate Appointed To Moorestown Council

MOORESTOWN, NJ — A social justice advocate who has been working to expand race education in Moorestown schools has been appointed to township council.

Quinton Law was appointed to a vacant seat on Moorestown Council during Monday night’s reorganization meeting. Law is a member of the Moorestown Alumni for Racial Equity & Inclusion (MAREI) group, which has been working with the Moorestown Public School District to expand race education in the district. Read more here: Alumni Group, Moorestown Schools Working On Cultural Changes

Law was appointed to the seat that was vacated when then-Deputy Mayor Brian Donnelly resigned last month. Read more here: Moorestown Deputy Mayor Brian Donnelly Stepping Down

“I first want to just acknowledge former Councilman Donnelly and thank him for his service — I greatly appreciate his work on council, and it is truly a blessing to be his replacement,” Law said. “To be chosen to serve alongside this talented group of dedicated public servants is an honor. I hope to bring a diverse perspective to council and to elevate the voices in our community that have been historically underrepresented.”

On Monday night, Sue Mammarella was appointed as the township’s deputy mayor for 2021. Mammarella, Jake Van Dyken and Dave Zipin were all sworn into their first terms on council after being elected in November. With their oaths of office complete, the five-member council now consists entirely of Democrats. Read more here: Democrats Hold On To Win 3 Seats On Moorestown Council

Nicole Gillespie was appointed the township’s mayor for another two years. Gillespie, Mammarella, Van Dyken, and Zipin were all sworn in by Gov. Phil Murphy, who appeared via video screen in council chambers amid the coronavirus pandemic. Law was not in attendance Monday night, but shared some of his vision with Patch via email.

“As a community organizer at heart, I look forward to working to increase the economic strength of Moorestown, advocate for a more sustainable environment, and fight for racial equity in our community,” Law said.

In their first public appearance as council members, Mammarella, Van Dyken, and Zipin each reiterated their commitment to the unity and transparency they discussed on the campaign trail in the fall.

“I remain committed to unity and transparency, and I can’t wait to get started serving my neighbors, regardless of who voted for me,” Mammarella said.

“Moorestown is a popular destination to raise a family and run a business, and it’s a huge honor to represent this town,” Van Dyken said.

“Moorestown can be a shining star for New Jersey,” Zipin said. “I’m excited to put my knowledge and experience to work to benefit my hometown.”

Gillespie is entering her third year on council, and thanked her fellow council members for their support in her continuing efforts as mayor.

“We’ve got a lot of great stuff coming up,” Gillespie said. “I want to thank the township staff, first responders and our professionals for their great work last year, especially during a pandemic.”

She also thanked the previous members of council who helped her during her first year as mayor last year. Under Moorestown's form of government, members of council are elected by the public. Council members then choose a mayor and a deputy mayor from among their membership.

The mayor serves in that position for two years, while the deputy mayor serves in that role for one year. Gillespie and Mammarella were both unanimously appointed to their positions. Council also appointed members to the township's various boards and committees. To see those appointments, click here.