Along with the Fanwood Town Council and members of the community, Mayor Colleen Mahr welcomed the Borough of Fanwood’s newest public servants at the 2019 Reorganization Meeting yesterday, January 1.

Councilwoman Erin McElroy Barker was sworn in to her second term, accompanied by her husband, sons, and parents. Beyond her work on the Council, she is a social worker who helps families of chronically ill children at Rutgers/Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center.

Councilwoman Trisha Walsh was also sworn in to her first term by Mayor Mahr surrounded by her family members. She is a New York City public school teacher who raised her four children in Fanwood. Her late brother, Bruce, served as a Fanwood Councilman during the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. Her husband Neil is also a dedicated public servant in Fanwood, currently serving as a Recreation Commissioner.

Councilman Jeff Banks was also sworn in at the Reorganization Meeting. He was selected to replace Councilman Russ Huegel who resigned in December to become Borough Attorney. Under state law, a vacancy on the Council is filled after three nominees are submitted to the Council by the local committee representing the party of the departing Council member. The Council selected Jeff from nominees submitted by the Fanwood Democratic Committee. He must run for election this year if he wants to retain the seat. Councilman Banks’s daughter, Mallory, founded the Rockin for Autism fundraiser event that takes place each year in LaGrande Park. Through these events, the Banks family has raised over $50,000 for Autism New Jersey in the name of Mallory’s brother, Ethan. Jeff works as an industrial graphic designer in Scotch Plains and his wife, Gina, is an author.

Fanwood’s newest police officer, Timothy Green, was also sworn in during the Reorganization Meeting. Tim, 29, is a lifelong resident of Fanwood. Prior to joining the Police Department, he served the community as a volunteer fighter. He begins training at the Stamler Police Academy on January 4. He was accompanied by his parents and his grandfather.

Mayor Mahr also sworn in the 2019 officers of the Fanwood Rescue Squad. The Town Council, Mayor, and members of the community are grateful each year for the sacrifices the members of our Rescue Squad make to ensure local emergencies can be responded to quickly and efficiently.

Thank you to all Fanwoodians who attended the Reorganization meeting and celebrated the new year with us. The Borough looks forward to further serving you in 2019.