Robert Laws Finds Pleasantville’s City Administrator job ‘Exciting, Rewarding’
Robert Laws. Photo courtesy of Robert Laws
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
PLEASANTVILLE — A month into his new job as city administrator for the City of Pleasantville, Robert Laws said he has found the transition from private business to the public sector “exciting and rewarding.”
Laws, a former Hamilton Township committeeman, insurance agent and long-time youth advocate, was appointed in March to the new position.
“God has blessed me to have many successful years in the private sector,” Laws told Front Runner New Jersey.com. “I wanted to bring my experience in leadership, project management, and operations to public service.
“I’m passionate about community development and improving the quality of life. I saw this role as a great opportunity to apply my skills in a way that directly impacts residents. It felt like the right time to take on a new challenge where I could contribute in a more meaningful, civic-focused way.”
In Pleasantville, the city administrator is the chief operation and administrative officer, responsible for executing all laws and ordinances established by city council. The administrator also has the responsibility of recommending municipal projects and improvements and executing those improvements as determined by the council.
“The adjustment has been both exciting and rewarding,” Laws said. “While there’s a lot to learn about the inner workings of municipal government, my background in managing complex organizations has helped me hit the ground running.
“The team has been incredibly welcoming, and I’m energized by the collaboration and the shared goal of making our city the best it can be.”
Laws had been a Hamilton Township committeeman since 2016 and was re-elected to his post last November as the only African American male on the body. He recently resigned to fully commit to his new position with Pleasantville.
A former Stockton University track and field standout, he has served as coach and mentor to many of the young people in Hamilton Township.
READ: Robert Laws Serves Youth, Community in Hamilton Township
“Leaving the Hamilton Township Committee was a difficult decision because I care deeply about the community and the work we were doing,” Laws said. “I am still connected to the Township of Hamilton by supporting the youth and the families in that community, that is a passion I could never let go of.
“However, taking on the city administrator role required my full focus and commitment. I knew that to serve the city properly, I needed to give 100% to this position. It was bittersweet, but ultimately, I believe it was the right move because it allows me to serve both communities.”
Laws said he is looking to his faith in God and his leadership experience to guide him as city administrator.
“I’m truly excited about what’s ahead,” Laws said. “I believe that by working together — city staff, elected officials, and residents — we can achieve great things. I’m committed to transparency, innovation, and making sure that every decision we make serves the best interests of our community. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to building a strong future here.”
Back in 2022, Laws had served as community liaison when Pleasantville considered privatizing its waste management system. While that project ended because of community opposition, a panel led by Mayor Judy Ward said Laws remained the best candidate for the city administrator’s job.
“It wasn’t an easy, easy decision, but when we tallied everything up, everyone agreed that [Laws] was the best applicant we had for what we needed,” Ward said in the meeting in March when Law was approved, according to Breaking AC.com.
Whether it has been in his public service and private endeavors, Laws has developed a track record of success.
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