As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal, Rio Rancho section 5/29/10.
You think you know our mayor, do you? Most of us know Tom Swisstack as the coat and tie figurehead behind a microphone. He is the politician who can be seen presiding over city council meetings, town hall meetings and as the host of Conversations with Mayor Swisstack, a talk show where he discusses current issues and projects pertinent to our city. Swisstack is also Director of the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center.
In my series of everyday-questions-for-the-not-so-everyday person, I subjected Mayor Swisstack to my introspective queries so that we can get to know the man behind the title. Because inquiring minds want to know if Tom Swisstack won $10 million in the lottery, what is the first thing he would buy?
What's the most recent movie you've seen?
Iron Man 2
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Making the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center one of four national model sites in the country, and serving my community.
What is one thing you wish Rio Rancho had that is doesn’t?
More retail shopping opportunities that includes things like a men’s store where you can purchase suits.
Your house is on fire and all of your family and pets are safe outside. What is the one thing you would go back and get?
Family pictures to preserve memories of growing up.
After previously serving as mayor, why did you want to serve as mayor again?
I wanted to bring systematic change that would ensure the city’s future.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Cars.
What is your favorite getaway spot in NM?
Santa Fe, because of its diversity, history and romantic environment.
How does your day job -- director of the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center -- help you as mayor?
It helps me stay grounded and reminds me that every person is important and should be treated with respect no matter what walk of life they come from.
What is the trait you most dislike in others?
A sense of entitlement
If he could change one thing as mayor without having to go through the city council, etc., what would it be?
Making the mayor position in Rio Rancho full-time, but continuing to have a strong city manager structure.
At what Rio Rancho haunt are we most likely to spot you?
Exercising at Defined Fitness on High Resort Boulevard.
If you won $10 million in the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?
I would first try to make the dreams of 100 children come true through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and then make the dreams of my family members become a reality.
Name one thing you want to do before you die?
Visit every state in our great country and experience the best of what each state had to offer.
What is your favorite restaurant?
There are many I like including Turtle Mountain, but the one I most frequent is O’Hare’s because of its great food and quality service.
If you had to impress an out-of-towner about this area, where is the one place you would take them?
To an event at the city’s Santa Ana Star Center that provides a great experience.
Red or green?
Green…on almost everything.
Quote of the Week: “I have one more year of chemo, but because of people like you who have given generously to Make-A-Wish, this last year will be a lot more bearable for me. I’m gonna make it!” –Casey, from the Make-a-Wish Foundation website.
You should have asked him how he lives on a mayors salary of $18K a year.
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