'One of the greatest honors': Bergen County town installs its first female mayor
FAIRVIEW — Violetta Berisha was just a baby, she said, when her immigrant parents made the uncertain voyage in search of a better life.
They landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens with a single suitcase and very little in the way of prospects. But they were in possession of some precious cargo: Berisha, then 3 months old, and her brother.
Berisha, recently installed as the first female mayor in the 129-year history of Fairview, said she owes much of her success to her parents. Her father died in February 2006.
To assume such an important role, she said, is “one of the greatest honors.”
“I could not imagine how my life would have turned out if not for the strength, love, support and values that my parents gave to me,” Berisha added, addressing a crowd at a swearing-in ceremony.
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Berisha, 53, a Democrat who ran unopposed in the general election, was administered the oath of office by Gov. Phil Murphy.
She will have large shoes to fill.
Berisha’s predecessor, former Mayor Vincent Bellucci Jr., also a Democrat, is the longest-serving mayor that the borough has ever had. He was elected in November 1995.
During his tenure, the population of the borough swung north of 15,000 — making it the second-most densely populated suburb in Bergen County behind its neighbor, Cliffside Park.
A growing electorate means a growing agenda for the new mayor.
Stabilizing the tax base topped her list of priorities, along with beefing up enforcement of local zoning laws, improving municipal parks and rejuvenating the business district on Anderson Avenue.
“What some may see as challenges, I view as opportunities,” said Berisha, who oversees payroll and purchasing for the K-8 district.
Her experience in public office dates to June 2017, when she was appointed to fill the unexpired term of the late Councilman John Rossi.
Berisha, who has two children and two grandchildren, is also believed to be the first mayor of Albanian descent in the state.
Her father was born there, she said, and her mother in the tiny country of Montenegro. They met in Belgium and later moved to Italy, where she was born in March 1970.
Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: devencentis@northjersey.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Fairview NJ township installs first-ever female mayor
