Newly elected Moorestown council members Nicole Gillespie and Quinton Law were officially sworn in by state Sen. Troy Singleton at council’s reorganization meeting on Jan. 9. Gillespie was also elected mayor and law deputy mayor.
“This person is one of the most dedicated public servants I know,” Law said of Gillespie. “From the moment of her being who we look forward to during a global pandemic, to telling us what’s happening in our community, all the way to now finishing long projects like Percheron Park, and so many more that are moving Moorestown forward.”
Gillespie thanked the community for their support during council comments.
“You make us better candidates, you make us better elected officials and we are deeply, deeply grateful for that,” she said. “We are proud of the work we did to get here, but we know that we did not do it alone.”
Council later proclaimed Jan. 12 as Barbara A. Rich Day, in honor of the Moorestown resident, a co-founder of the environmental group Save the Environment of Moorestown (STEM), member of the Rancocas Conservancy, member of the Open Space Advisory Committee and former member of several township boards. Rich also helps to preserve several open spaces in Moorestown and Burlington County.
“The conservancy celebrated its 30 years not too long ago, and STEM celebrated its 50 years not too long ago,” Rich noted. “So we do have a history, but we do have a future, and I hope the future includes more preservation and protection of all the land that we love.”
County Commissioner Allison Eckel and Singleton also presented Rich with proclamations.
“You co-founded the Rancocas Conservancy Land Trust for the Rancocas Creek watershed … protecting more than 2,000 acres of Rancocas Creek watershed lands, and that impacts all of us in a very big way,” Eckel said.
“If no one ever tells you, I want you to know I am so proud and humbled and honored to know that I got to meet you, to know that I know you for everything you have done for this community, and for all of us,” Singleton remarked.
In other news, council adopted three consent-agenda resolutions related to appointing members to committees, professional appointments and general business.
“I’m really optimistic about this year, and I personally think that it’s been a tough couple of years – bumpy roads – and I think this year is going to be really one to remember,” said councilman Jake Van Dyken.
“The volunteerism is what makes a town like this move, and it should not go without recognition,” said councilman David Zipin. “ … It’s a ‘thank you’ for an ongoing commitment, and that is worthy of more recognition than just a name being listed in the consent agenda.”
“The volunteers in this community are the blood and the heart of our community,” Law pointed out. “They’re what keep us going, and they very much are what makes Moorestown such a special place that we all know and love.”
