Lisa Petriello will hold the title until December 31, 2019 with councilwoman Nicole Gillespie serving as deputy mayor by her side.
The standing-room only crowd gathered in Town Hall last Monday night erupted into thunderous applause as township clerk Patricia Hunt slid the mayor’s nameplate in front of Lisa Petriello, who earned the title in a 3–2 vote.
Petriello will hold the title until Dec. 31, with Councilwoman Nicole Gillespie serving as deputy mayor by her side. Newcomers Gillespie and Brian Donnelly were sworn in last Monday after receiving the most votes in November’s election.
The evening got off to an unexpected start with Democrats Gillespie and Donnelly nominating Petriello, and Republicans Michael Locatell and Victoria Napolitano nominating Donnelly, who appeared visibly surprised by the nomination. Locatell and Napolitano voted for Donnelly, while Petriello ultimately emerged on top with Gillespie, Donnelly and her own vote nabbing her the honor.
In response to the vote, Locatell questioned Petriello’s decisiveness.
“I think you do try to have the best interests of the town in the decisions you make, but you do have a difficulty making those decisions; you do tend to go back and forth,” Locatell said. “I felt that Brian might be more deliberate and quick in his decisions.”
Locatell’s statement was overwhelmingly met with booing from the crowd.
Donnelly said while he appreciated the nomination, he was in full support of Petriello.
“I’ve known Lisa for a while, and she’s carried the torch a long time,” Donnelly said. “She can bear under fire as long as she has for the last for years. I think she can do a fantastic job.”
During the vote for deputy mayor, Donnelly nominated Gillespie with Petriello seconding the nomination. Locatell nominated Napolitano and explained his logic to his fellow councilmembers.
“The last time we had a 3–2 council Democrat, Republican, Mayor (Kevin) Abernat, at the time, decided to make a Republican as deputy mayor as an opportunity to have a bipartisan council,” Locatell said. “I’m going to nominate Victoria and see if I can get a second.”
Ultimately, Locatell did not get that second, with Napolitano declining to second herself. As the sole nominee, Gillespie was unanimously voted deputy mayor.
During council comments, Napolitano welcomed Gillespie and Donnelly.
“I hope you find the same satisfaction in serving this community as I do; I think you will,” Napolitano said. “Congratulations to all of you.”
Gillespie said it was her “honor and privilege” to nominate Petriello as mayor, who has helped prepare her for her time on council. She said good government isn’t possible without collaboration and partnership, and for that reason, she’s grateful to the outgoing councilmembers and township staff who helped get her up to speed.
“To all Moorestown residents — whether you voted for me or not — your vigilance and your willingness to speak up are a fundamental part of our democracy,” Gillespie said. “It made us stronger candidates, and it will make us stronger public servants.”
Petriello said she was looking forward to a busy year ahead. She said there’a a lot council still has to accomplish, and along the way, she plans on constantly examining how they are doing things and what they could be doing better. She said she looks forward to greater transparency and improved communication.
“We have lots to do. Let’s get to work,” Petriello said.
The next meeting of council will take place on Monday, Jan. 28, at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall.
