Trawinski Says Facebook Page Was Hacked

If you've paid a visit to Ed Trawinski's Facebook profile since late July you might have been surprised to learn that in addition to being a fan of the Bee Gees, historical non-fiction and underdog sports movies, the Deputy Mayor of Fair Lawn was no longer a borough resident.

On the night of July 22, Trawinski's profile was updated to reflect a move to Little Ferry, prompting some residents to question whether the deputy mayor had illegally abandoned his constituents. The small southeastern Bergen County municipality remained Trawinski's Facebook-listed residence for the next 60 days until Thursday night, when he was reached by Patch and asked about his current dwelling.

"3-33 Lyncrest Avenue," Trawinski replied. "It's where my driver's license is, it's where I vote and it's where I live." 

When informed that his Facebook profile stated otherwise, Trawinski responded with utter disbelief.

"I don’t live in Little Ferry at all. I never have, and frankly, never will," he said. "If I move anywhere it would be to Orlando, Florida."

Trawinski said he had no idea that Little Ferry had been listed as his place of residence for nearly two months and concluded that his Facebook page must have been hacked.

"I have to speak to Miss [Mayor Jeanne] Baratta because she's the only one who has my password," he laughed. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention."

Outside of the Facebook foul-up, the fact that Trawinski sold his Lyncrest Avenue home to his son, Nick, in late 2010, only added to speculation of his departure. While Trawinski said he still lives at the mother-daughter property with his wife, son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren, his name is no longer listed on public tax records.

"[My son] was looking for a house and I was looking to phase down, to get something smaller," said Trawinski, explaining the sale for which he said he received the necessary approvals. "[My wife and I] were empty nesters."

When he's not in Fair Lawn, Trawinski said he stays at his shore house in Toms River about 10 to 15 percent of the time.

Although sitting council members must live in the municipality they serve for the entirety of their terms, they are permitted to spend a month or two out of the year at vacation homes, League of Municipalities staff attorney Matthew Weng confirmed.

The deputy mayor, who has since removed the Little Ferry listing from his Facebook profile, said he plans to contact Facebook to learn whom might have compromised his account.

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