While last Tuesday's council re-organization meeting was steeped in an aura of palpable partisan dissension, there was one thing that everyone in attendance seemed to agree on: 2012 would be a challenging year.

As longtime Fair Lawn political operative Marv Levitt said afterward, "I wish the council a lot of luck because they’re going to have problems over the next two years, no matter what party they are."

At a time when residents continue to struggle financially in the rocky economy, the primary issue for both parties has become limiting the tax burden.

Republican-specific goals include resisting overdevelopment and restoring a positive workplace environment for borough employees, while the Democrats on council have repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining amenities like Memorial Pool and the public library.

On the campaign trail last year, other hot-button issues included flood control and preparedness, and the resolution of costly lawsuits.

However you slice it, the new council has a lot on their plate heading into the new year.

What do you think should be its top priority?