Politics & Government
Twp. Committee's First Democrat In A Generation Takes Office In Cinnaminson
'This is a definite change,' said Dr. Corinne Taylor-Walls after taking the oath of office. 'But change is good.'
CINNAMINSON, NJ — As the Cinnaminson Township Committee welcomed its first Democratic officeholder in a generation, members of the governing body struck a collaborative tone.
Dr. Corinne Taylor-Walls was sworn into the Township Committee during the reorganization meeting on Jan. 5. In November, she became the first Democratic candidate elected to the governing body since 1997.
She's also the first Black woman to serve on the governing body, according to Cinnaminson's Democratic Party.
Find out what's happening in Cinnaminsonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Taylor-Walls said her fellow committee members have been "very open and very welcoming."
"This is a definite change," Taylor-Walls said after taking the oath of office. "But change is good, and change is what pushes us forward."
Find out what's happening in Cinnaminsonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Taylor-Walls is the director of outpatient services for Weisman Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital, which has five locations throughout South Jersey. She and her family moved to Cinnaminson a few years ago.
As a first-time candidate last year, Taylor-Walls ran for Township Committee against Republican incumbent Stephanie Kravil, who was serving as mayor. Taylor-Walls defeated Kravil in a tight race that took nearly two weeks after Election Day to settle.
The Township Committee has five members. At the start of each calendar year, they vote for two of their members to serve as mayor and deputy mayor.
At the reorganization meeting, Committee Member Ryan Horner was voted mayor, while Albert Segrest became deputy mayor. Both votes were unanimous.
Members of the committee congratulated them on their appointments and welcomed Taylor-Walls to the governing body.
Committee Member Ernest McGill said collaboration has led to progress, including development of the Route 130 corridor and industrial area, placing an officer to every public school, and drainage improvements in long-neglected areas.
"Respect and civility is now the norm in Cinnaminson," McGill said, "a norm which will continue for the foreseeable future."
Watch the full meeting below:
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