Change Comes to Cherry Hill

The racetrack is gone, soon to be replaced with a ‘real’ town center.. The Latin Casino is no longer even a memory – except to the most senior residents. The beloved, over-crowded, cherished small library will soon be replaced by a state-of-the art facility, and the parcels of valuable open space Cherry Hill still possesses has been saved. Kids spend hours in updated parks, We’ve added a cultural Art Center, while still retaining the memory of days gone by with Barclay Farmstead and our community stands on the threshold of tomorrow. Cherry Hill has definitely changed from that small community located somewhere ‘outside’ Philadelphia with that ‘large shopping mall,’ into a 21st century upscale community with great things to offer families of all ages.

And now the next phase of Cherry Hill begins, as we say goodbye to Mayor Susan Bass Levin, wish her well as the Commissioner of New Jersey Community Affairs Department, and watch as our future paths find direction under new leadership.

On January 28, Arthur Simons became the newest mayor of Cherry Hill. Simons has been part of all this growth and improvement for many years, as a vital part of a township council who has served Cherry Hill well. His well known quiet sense of humor has turned a few tense moments into an atmosphere of camaraderie, and his sense of fairness and caring is well documented. Art Simons has said he does not want to hold office as the next publicly elected Mayor, but while he is at the helm of our ship, he will serve our town well.

Taking his place as Town Council President is David Fleisher, who could actually be the ‘wave of the future’ in politics. He definitely is representative of the ‘kid who comes home to build his life.’ Fleisher attended our schools, met his wife in Cherry Hill, and is now raising his two children here who will one day attend those very same schools. Fleisher has youth and time for growth on his side, which will benefit us all. He’s a home-town boy who will now help lead our town into exciting new times.

Joyce Walker, newly elected Vice President of Town Council, is another example of how working hard and giving back to the community sometimes lands you into the role of a becoming a leader for the future. Walker has a reputation for being a fair-minded business person, with a commitment to going forward, and she will also serve our town well.

After the swearing in ceremonies, Former Mayor Susan Bass Levin was appointed an Honorary Trustee of the Cherry Hill Library Board. Only fitting since it was under her tenure that final plans for our new library became a reality.

Levin is a great speaker and she proved it again that night. Hundreds of people were thanked that night, especially the volunteers, township employees, the fireman, police and EMT employees. No stranger to applause, the standing ovation at the end definitely touched her heart, and the hearts of others.

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Author: Kathy Haughwout--Cherry Hill Connection