Letters to the Editor (continued from page 24) originates from a decision to dismiss union custodians in order to save the district up to $300,000 and aid in closing the district’s $1 million budget shortage at that time: a decision that represents a kink in WEA’s armor and threatens their ability to manipulate the system and the citizens of Wyckoff. We need to support people like Janet Razze and encourage the members of our board of education to stand up to the leadership of WEA and not be intimidated by their bullying. Rich Bonsignore Wyckoff Home Owners Alliance Wyckoff With major development and environmental decisions upcoming in 2010, balance is essential to the process. In December, when board seats are again available, the transparency Scanlan advocates would ensure that appointments are based on qualifications, not connections. Toni Brienza Wyckoff Dear Editor: Reading the recent articles and letters about appointments to Wyckoff boards, I am surprised at the misstatements being made. Though Township Committeeman Connolly has been quoted as saying the committee is never going to throw anyone off these boards, he knows that volunteers have been fired from the boards. The first person who comes to mind is Wyckoff resident Andrea Mateo (who apparently had the temerity to affiliate with an environmental group critical of Wyckoff’s record). Mr. Connolly was on the township committee at the time. Mr. Connolly also implies that appointing qualified, thoughtful individuals who might bring a fresh perspective to our boards would make it more likely that Wyckoff would be sued. In fact, the reverse is true, because the public will know that all points of view are respectfully being heard and seriously considered. With a few independent points of view, we also might in the future avoid the construction of architectural monuments to group think such as the Stop n Shop at Boulder Run. We have had individuals with excellent qualifications ignored (someone with a master’s degree in city planning not even interviewed for the planning board at the end of 2008) or, this time around, a proven environmentalist with a Ph.D. in geosciences not interviewed (or, apparently, even considered) for the Wyckoff Environmental Commission. Wyckoff has a wonderful pool of volunteers. It would be much better if the powers- February 3, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 25 that-be partisans on the Wyckoff Township Committee viewed these appointments less from the standpoint of whose lawn will be a reliable place to plant a sign each November and more about what is best for the longterm future of Wyckoff. Linda Vreeland Wyckoff Dear Editor: As a 35-year homeowner in Wyckoff and a lifetime resident of the area, I have witnessed many changes which too frequently undermine the tradition of quality living I had become accustomed to. I can go on to specifics, from the reckless redevelopment of Boulder Run, to say nothing of the tasteless “Mc Mansions” which have sprung up throughout our community like poisonous mushrooms. It seems to me that those who have been too long in charge have resisted the input of qualified people whose interests are the good of the community. The present short-sighted cabal that runs this town (and here I exclude Township Committeeman Brian Scanlan, the only independent thinker in the bunch) has little but self-interest in mind and not, in their hearts, the preservation of the kind of Wyckoff I once admired and had the privilege to live in. Arthur Cappello Wyckoff Urges long-term thinking ‘Cabal’ concerns Dear Editor: In November, 2008, Brian Scanlan was elected to the Wyckoff Township Committee as an independent voice for more balanced representation, but in view of 2010 volunteer board appointments, the “good old boy” group is bent on running Wyckoff by the process of exclusion. Mayor Rudy Boonstra coordinated the application review process for service on the planning board, board of adjustment, and the Shade Tree, Design Review, and Environmental commissions. However, the majority of applicants were dismissed, some with advanced degrees in relevant fields, in favor of appointing friends of certain committee members. In a recent interview, newly-elected Committeeman Kevin Rooney stated that he and running mate Chris DePhillips encouraged people they knew to apply. They were, of course, chosen. I hope that other members of the township committee will endorse the nonpartisan, transparent process Scanlan is calling for in the future. How can Wyckoff citizens feel assured that the best interests of the community will be served when qualified applicants were blatantly overlooked? Supports transparent selection method in Wyckoff Dear Editor: Much has been written in the last weeks concerning the appointment (or the failure to appoint) interested residents who have applied to become members of township boards. Wyckoff is privileged to have a large number of highly educated, experienced, skilled, and interested people who are eager to give of their time and talents. Few of these, I believe, are politically motivated. As a member of the board of health for three decades, I plead for members who are willing to serve in any of many venues. Most of our programs are unknown to residents. For the past year, as president of the Urges an end to ‘partisan bickering’ board of health, I have been most grateful for the appointment and service of Committeeman Brian Scanlan. While the majority of this professional board has been reported to be Republican, we are all free thinkers and, I assure you, vote independently. Mr. Scanlan, the sole Democrat, has attended all of our scheduled meetings. We have had a most productive dialogue. His presence at all of our programs is unprecedented, as he is insightful as to needs of the community he serves. These have included the Annual Health Fair, the seasonal influenza prevention program for residents, and special sessions for first responders, including police, fire, and ambulance volunteers. He was also active in the planning and implementation of our H1N1 prevention program, where more than 500 children were vaccinated. This event was managed with the support and cooperation of Dr. Janet Razze, superintendent of schools, who did a masterful job of communicating with parents and students. In addition, Mr. Scanlan participated in numerous sessions to organize Wyckoff’s Point of Distribution Plan in the event of terrorist, pandemic, or other types of emergencies. I extend my personal gratitude to Mr. Scanlan for his presence, his knowledge, his eagerness to learn, and exchange of ideas on the board. He has brought a new dimension to us in 2009. The concept of such collaboration, without regard to party affiliation, has compelled me to write this letter. The health needs and concerns of Wyckoff are vast and often complicated. Nothing can be accomplished by partisan politics. There is nothing about our mission, and the goal of promotion community wellness, which is “political.” If our government, on all levels, would cease partisan bickering, divisiveness, and closed door meetings, and rather work with respect for the good of all people, we would move forward as the nation our God ordained us to be. Wyckoff is a great place to start. Thank you, Mr. Scanlan, for your wonderful example of a nonpartisan effort in which we are all the beneficiaries. Dorothy M. Voorman-Fish, M.S. R.N. Wyckoff Special The Villadom TIMES is publishing a special gift guide section for Valentine’s Day. Reach all of your local consumers in search of the perfect gift for their loved ones. Don’t miss your chance to participate. Call today for Special Rates! 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