Mayor Lisa Swain Fair Lawn -In The Spot Light
How long in position:
This is Swain’s first term as mayor, elected in January 2011. She will serve a one year term.
Past experience: Mayor Swain served on the Fair Lawn Borough Council for four years. She served as the deputy mayor for three years before serving as mayor.
Occupation: The Mayor works part-time as a swim instructor and assistant in the aquatic department at the YMCA.
Age: 53
Family: Married to Ron Bienstock. They have two children, Molly, 19, and Nicky, 17.
Personal and Professional Accomplishments: Mayor Swain is proud of her work involving the creation of Fair Lawn’s “Green Team.†The Green Team works to educate citizens on environmental issues and develop green initiatives for the borough.
Mayor Swain also has worked on focused initiatives for the Fair Lawn Planning Board. She aims to create a mayoral office which is responsive to all residents and willing to make time for everyone. “I really care about my residents. I spend a lot of time at my job. I take it very seri- ously and I’m passionate about it,†Swain said. On a personal level, Swain is an active runner who has participated in several triathlons each summer. She explains her aims to “be a role model for younger people†and teach the importance of making exercise a “lifelong activity, part of their everyday life.â€
Fair Lawn received a “Healthy Town Flag†from the New Jersey Health Care Quality Insti- tute for the different active-living initiatives implemented in the community. Mayor Swain expressed her hopes that herown active lifestyle as a government leader “helps and keeps Fairlawn a healthy town.â€
What is important to you for your town/state/ nationally? After the disastrous effects of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, Swain’s main concern for Fair Lawn is to meet the needs of its residents. “I aim to insure all the resi- dents get the FEMA funds they deserve and that fami- lies find the aid they need.â€
She hopes to continue the improvement of intersec- tions and crosswalks around the community. She is continually concerned with the safety of Fair Lawn’s residents. She also is working towards Fair Lawn’s economic development, finding the right bal- ance between businesses and residents in her community. Quote: When asked what she feels is important in government on a national level, Swain spoke of the need for collaboration. “I would like to see more of a woman’s touch out there,†said Swain. “Instead of this divisive, non-negotiating, I would like to see more peo- ple working together for the common goal of the citizens of the United States.â€
