Taking the ‘Law’ Into His Hands: Quinton Law Campaigns To Update History
Quinton Law sits in Moorestown council chambers. Photo by Bryce Rozier.
By Clyde Hughes | AC JosepH Media
MOORESTOWN — In January, Quinton Law made history becoming the first African American to sit on the Moorestown Township council as well as becoming the youngest at 23.
Since then, Law, now 24, has been campaigning to update that history in becoming the first Black and youngest elected to the position. The constituent advocate for U.S. Sen. Cory Booker has taken nothing for granted, running an immersed campaign after being appointed to the board four months ago.
“I would say the experience has exceeded my expectations,” said Law, who graduated from Moorestown High School and Rhode Island’s Bryant University, of serving on council. “Being on council is a blessing, and I am truly so grateful to be in this position. One benefit I’ve particularly loved has been that I’ve been able to meet new people from all over our community. It has been an honor to represent them thus far and I hope they elect me to continue to do so.”
Law is running unopposed in the Democratic primary but will face a Republican challenger in the November general election. He has been running, though, like a candidate who wants Moorestown residents to know he’s all in for the community.
Important Work
Along with campaigning, Law has been doing the hard work of being a council member. It is the important work that needs to be done at a high level to make sure Moorestown remains the attractive community it is for so many.
“We authorized the sale of liquor store licenses in strategic areas of town and passed an ordinance to allow microbreweries, craft distilleries, and wineries,” Law said about some of the things council has taken on. “We started our redevelopment plan for the Moorestown Mall, which also became our county’s vaccine mega site.
“Council is also moving forward on building new parks and creating new pollinator habitats in town for endangered birds. Our stormwater management code was updated, we welcomed the addition of community solar projects to provide electricity to Moorestown families, and we celebrated the grand opening of the new playground at Strawbridge Lake. New agreements were finalized to make it easier for businesses and vendors to participate in community events,” Law told Front Runner New Jersey.
He said council also established the Moorestown Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Task Force that will develop an action plan and make recommendations to council on how to make our community more equitable and inclusive.
“We have made tremendous progress as a community, and we are looking to keep this momentum going,” he said.
Embracing Youth
Law said despite his age, his council colleagues have embraced him, respecting his views and work.
“It was a concern for me that being 24 could be a challenge during this process,” Law said. “However, my fellow council members and I work together very well. I have been met with respect from my colleagues and excitement from the public. This community is excited to see a new energetic perspective on council. My youth is an asset, and I will continue to bring that perspective to Town Hall.”
Law added that his peers have continued to support him as well, particularly people he’s grown up with and attended school with.
“My peers have supported me. I have had people I graduated with in high school reach out, offering to help knock doors and even donate to the campaign,” Law said. “They are excited to see someone their age making decisions in town. It’s not often that young people are afforded the opportunity to have a voice, my hope is to be that change.”
Reflection of Community
Law said as far as now being a young role model for others, he is just a reflection of the community and his family. Law’s mixed-race family was featured on the cover of Moorestown Living magazine, giving the region a view at the city’s true diversity.
“I hope others see me as someone who is just as invested in this community as it has been in me. From my football coaches and teachers, to my friends and family, I only made it this far because of their support,” he said.
Of course, Law said it means a lot for him to be the first African-American person to ever hold council seat — and the responsibility that comes with it.
“I carry that with me every day and I hope my presence on council can inspire other Black people in our community to run for office,” Law said. “I grew up on Farmdale Road, which was built to expand housing for Black engineers who worked at RCA in Moorestown. Black Moorestonians have made invaluable contributions to this community and I stand on their shoulders. I am very proud to be the first, and I know I won’t be the last.”
Law said, though, he wants to serve all Moorestonians, whether it’s supporting our local economy, working to preserve the environment or bringing members of our community together to create a more inclusive town.
“I have seen the very best of Moorestown in my time on council,” Law said. “I am committed to giving back to this town and using my position to do the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people.”
Law has paid it forward already with his positive, uplifting image of young African American men in South Jersey.
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