Fair Haven, NJ – Fair Haven Council President Betsy Koch has announced her candidacy for Mayor, joined by Councilman Brian Olson and former Councilwoman Kristen Hoey for Borough Council, forming a team built on experience, accomplishments, and responsible leadership for the Fair Haven community.

Residents are invited to the campaign kickoff celebration on Wednesday, June 3rd at the Fair Haven Columbus Club, to meet the candidates, hear their vision for Fair Haven’s future, and celebrate the launch of the campaign.

Together, Betsy, Brian and Kristen bring proven leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and a shared commitment to fiscal responsibility, thoughtful progress, and preserving the character that defines Fair Haven.

A Fair Haven resident for more than 50 years, Betsy Koch is known for her steady, thoughtful, and effective leadership. As Council President, she has earned the trust of residents through integrity, transparency, and a balanced approach to decision-making. Under her guidance, Fair Haven has maintained strong fiscal discipline while making meaningful community investments. Municipal taxes have decreased for three consecutive years, with only a modest 2% aggregate increase over five years, reflecting disciplined budgeting and thoughtful long-term planning.

Betsy has helped secure critical grants for key projects, including the acquisition of 21 Fair Haven Road, Community Center improvements, McCarter Park playground upgrades, and a wide range of neighborhood microprojects. She has also helped lead major capital improvements such as the new police building, the Department of Public Works renovations, improvements to Bicentennial Hall, road and infrastructure projects, pocket park renovations at Grange, the municipal boat ramp redevelopment, and the revitalization of the Harding Bird Sanctuary. Her leadership supports thoughtful land use, environmental stewardship, stormwater management and the preservation of cherished community traditions such as Fair Haven Day, Oktoberfest and the recent Farmer’s Market.

Running for Borough Council alongside Betsy is Councilman Brian Olson, a municipal bond underwriter who has served the past three years in various important roles, including the Finance Committee, Police, Fire & Office of Emergency Management Committee, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Personnel Committee, Environmental Commission, Fair Haven Fields Natural Area, Library Board of Trustees, Shade Tree Commission, and as Business District liaison.

Brian spearheaded the Borough’s $17 million debt refinancing, delivering over $1 million in debt service savings despite elevated interest rates. His disciplined fiscal approach contributed to a decline in the Borough’s property tax rate despite rising inflation. Brian also led the development of Fair Haven’s new Tree Ordinance, aligning the Borough with state environmental law while balancing environmental protection and property rights. As a result, new tree plantings have increased, strengthening the Borough’s commitment to sustainability. Advocating for practical, environmentally responsible policies, he also helped to facilitate the McCarter Pond cleanup. Brian holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Hamline University and an MBA from Duke University.

Former Councilwoman Kristen Hoey returns with a proven record of execution and results. During her tenure on Council, Kristen served as liaison to Parks and Recreation, Facilities, Personnel, the Library Board of Trustees, and Police, Fire & Office of Emergency Management. She played a key role in delivering major projects, including the police station, Community Center, and Department of Public Works renovations, helping achieve approximately $18 million in cost avoidance through careful planning and oversight. Kristen also led improvements to Borough recreation spaces, including the redesign of Fair Haven Field #4, securing grant funding for the Sickles Park playground, including funding through Jake’s Law, and helping bring the Fair Haven Farmers Market to life by building support for its launch.

Kristen played a central role in hiring the Borough Administrator, negotiating key contracts, rebuilding the Library team, and supporting Fire Department equipment upgrades to ensure essential services remained strong. She also led practical improvements that impact residents daily, including launching the Recycle Coach app, chairing the McCarter Pond Committee, and advancing research behind the Borough’s e-bike ordinance to enhance safety and align with state and local laws. Kristen brings executive leadership experience from senior roles at Citigroup and Point72 Asset Management, and currently serves as a Managing Director at CRA Admired Leadership, where she advises CEOs and executive teams on hiring, performance, and organizational strategy.

Together, Betsy, Brian, and Kristen have helped deliver the projects and services residents rely on every day, from public safety and infrastructure to parks, recreation, and community programs.

All three remain deeply engaged in the community. Betsy’s decades of service include leadership across numerous boards and civic organizations, as well as 25 years as a science teacher at Knollwood School. Brian is an active community volunteer and former board member of the National Federation of Municipal Analysts, and also contributes to the Ranney School Development Committee. Kristen currently serves on the Planning Board and the Library Board of Trustees, helping guide the Borough’s future and support ongoing community investments.

Betsy and her husband, Jerome, raised their four children in Fair Haven. Brian and his wife, Michelle, are raising their two children here. Kristen and her husband, Michael, are raising their twin teenagers in Fair Haven. Each brings a deep personal commitment to the Borough’s schools, neighborhoods, and quality of life.

Together, Betsy Koch, Brian Olson, and Kristen Hoey offer experienced, transparent, and results-driven leadership grounded in service, fiscal responsibility, and a clear vision for Fair Haven’s future.

Residents are encouraged to join them on Wednesday, June 3rd at the Fair Haven Columbus Club to meet the candidates and learn more about their plans for the Borough.