Wyckoff April 28, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 Judge finds Boucher has valid place on ballot Judge Robert Guida, a retired judge and an election official, has ruled that Wyckoff Township Committee candidate Jeffrey Boucher has a right to a spot on the Republican side of the June 8 primary ballot despite a challenge to his nominating petition by a Republican League official. Wyckoff Township Clerk Joyce Santimauro said that Jeremiah Larkin, a Republican County Committee official from Wyckoff, had challenged the signatures on Boucher’s nominating petition and asked for a verdict on whether they were valid. Just before press time, Judge Guida affirmed the validity of Boucher’s petition. Following the decision in his favor, Boucher told Villadom TIMES, “I’m very excited, obviously, with today’s ruling by Judge Guida. I’m looking forward to the primary.” Boucher, an ordained minister and pastor of Powerhouse Christian Church in Wyckoff, said he anticipates spirited discussions with his political rival Rudy Boonstra, the current mayor of Wyckoff who has also filed for election to the Wyckoff Township Committee seat. “I’m glad it’s all resolved and we can go forward and discuss all the issues that people are concerned about,” Boucher said, adding that those issues include economic responsibility, the future use of the Russell Farms property, and the Christian Health Care Center’s proposed addition. Boonstra said the intention was never to keep Boucher off the ballot, but rather was about protecting the integrity of the process and making necessary corrections while there was still time. “Let the election be about the exchange of ideas,” Boonstra added. Boonstra said that when Boucher’s petition was filed on April 12, several irregularities were apparent, including the fact that John Haboob had certified he had witnessed all the signatures on the petition, even though there were 12-15 pages. Several witnesses testified in front Judge Guida that they had secured the signatures, Boonstra said last week. “Now that the petition has been corrected, it’s legal and we can go forward and put this behind us,” he added. Temple Beth Rishon, located at 585 Russell Avenue in Wyckoff, will host its Eighth Annual Mitzvah Day Walk on Sunday, May 16 in support of Autism Speaks, the nation’s leading autism non-profit scientific research and advocacy organization and Reed Academy, a school for children on the autism spectrum. The community is invited to join congregants to help raise funds and spread awareness on behalf of those individuals and families who are challenged by autism. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. at Mitzvah Day Walk set the temple. The two-mile walk, which will take place around the temple’s residential neighborhood, will start at 9:30 a.m. Participants may bring dogs on leashes. Walkers are asked to bring their own water bottles, which can be filled with spring water at the temple. A “cool down” brunch will be held afterwards. To pre-register, make a donation, or learn more about Mitzvah Day, call the temple office at (201) 891-4466 or visit www.bethrishon.org. presents... Presents 2ND ANNUAL SPRING GALA PERFORMANCE Saturday, June 5th, 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM At Berrie Center for the Arts, Ramapo College. Spring specials available now for a limited time only. Call Robin at 973-636-7000 ���������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 3-18-09 karen/janine VanDyk3x6C(3-18-09) 3 x 6” Just as you are reading this ad, others are reading your ad. The Villadom TIMES is Your Neighborhood Newspaper. ADVERTISER: ���������������������������������������������������������������������� Call 201-652-0744 today for more information. www.villadom.com 4-28-10 Karen/Janine