CORRECTION: Moorestown Makes History with First Female Mayor

CORRECTION: Monday night was not the first time two women have served on council together. Kathy Einstein and Diane Powell served on council at the same time in 2000, after Einstein was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Councilman Salvatore Alessi after he stepped down. Patch apologizes for the error.

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Moorestown made history Monday, ushering in its first female mayor.

Township council—including newly sworn-in members Phil Garwood, Victoria Napolitano and Greg Newcomer—unanimously selected Councilwoman Stacey Jordan to be the township’s first female mayor during its reorganization meeting.

Jordan said she was “truly honored” to be chosen, but added, “With all of tonight’s excitement, I want to make it clear, I don’t see this mayor’s job as a job being suited for a man or a woman. I see it as a job suited for someone who genuinely cares about our town. And I hope that over the past few years that I’ve served on this council, I’ve shown that the only agenda I have is doing what’s best for Moorestown.”

She also took a moment to thank her father, former longtime county freeholder Vincent Farias. Holding back tears, Jordan said, “You’ve showed me that civil service is something that’s worthwhile. You showed me how to make a difference.”

Jordan is joined at the dais by Napolitano, who, in her mid-20s, is also one of council’s youngest ever members.

“It’s been a long road getting here,” said Napolitano. “It’s always nice when hard work pays off.”

The Lenola resident was appointed to the Open Space Advisory Committee and the Telecommunications and Technology Committee, the latter of which is a particular area of interest, given her background as a software instructor.

“Moorestown has a lot they can do in (that) area, especially as it relates to communicating with citizens,” said Napolitano.

Newcomer said he was “enthusiastic” about the town’s future: “I think we’re going to make a big difference. It’s a good group.”

The lone Democrat on council, Newcomer said one of his primary goals is to engage residents and ensure they have a voice.

“We want to not just have citizens come in, but value them,” he said.

In addition to swearing in the three new council members and appointing Jordan mayor, council also selected Councilman Chris Chiacchio as deputy mayor. 

Jordan and Chiacchio, who ran together in 2010, were both sworn in by state Sen. Diane Allen. Garwood and Napolitano were sworn in by U.S. Rep. Jon Runyan (R-3), while Newcomer was sworn in by state Assemblyman Troy Singleton.

Council also made a number of professional appointments, including selecting attorney Anthony Drollas as the new township solicitor.

To see the full list of appointments, click on the above attached PDF.