Mount Laurel appointed a new – and historically significant – mayor at council’s reorganization meeting on Jan. 3.
New Jersey State Assembly Majority Whip Carol Murphy administered the oaths of office to current Deputy Mayor Fozia Janjua and Councilman Nikitas Moustakas. Janjua is the township’s first Muslim and South Asian female mayor, while Moustakas will serve as deputy mayor.
Murphy emphasized her trust in Janjua and Moustakas as leaders, citing their diversity and efforts to consistently prioritize the community.
“I’m proud of the tremendous leadership in our township from (outoing) Mayor Stephen Steglik and Deputy Mayor Fozia Janjua, and have the utmost confidence in (Janjua) stepping forward in her new role as mayor,” Murphy noted.
“(Janjua) continues to provide exceptional leadership with heart, and her ability to bring together our diverse community and lead with integrity is what makes her the perfect choice for mayor,” she added.
“The work of both Fozia Janjua and Nikitas Moustakas, with their community-first approach to government and strength of their diverse backgrounds, will provide a great team to lead our township.”
Janjua emphasized appreciation for her new role, and said that she and Moustakas – along with council – will continue finding solutions for the community.
“It is a great privilege to serve as your mayor for 2024,” Janjua said. “Being the first Muslim and South Asian woman in this position is an honor, and I look forward to continuing the progress this council has made over the past three years.
Janjua also noted her own residence in the township.
“Growing up, I was taught the values of hard work and community service,” she recalled. “The people of Mount Laurel deserve leadership that is community-driven, transparent and responsive. I am proud to raise my family here, and love seeing how our growing township continues to be the perfect place to raise a family, start a small business, and grow as a diverse community.
“Working together with Deputy Mayor Nikitas Moustakas and township council members,” Janjua added, “we will continue to provide leadership that works for everyone, help grow our town’s economic vitality and work together to find solutions.”
The new deputy mayor commented on accomplishments in the town last year.
“One of the promises of the township council was to empower our business community and make Mount Laurel a great place to start a business and continue to grow our local community,” Janjua emphasized. “Twenty-twenty-three brought a number of new businesses in our community, and we look forward to welcoming many more as Mount Laurel continues to grow.”
Council continued celebrating old and new events in 2023, with a focus on inclusion. The township and its Diversity and Inclusion Board hosted Mount Laurel’s first Juneteenth holiday, a national event that celebrates the emancipation of slaves, and showed how local government can bring together residents of all cultures. Other popular events included the annual food truck festival and Greek Independence Day.
The next council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5. The sessions will continue at the municipal courtroom on Mount Laurel Road through June 18. Starting July 15, they will be held in the courtroom of the new municipal building at 750 Centerton Road.
