Villadom Times Weekly Local Newspaper

May 19, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 21 Letters to the Editor (continued from page 20) seeking its endorsement in the primary. After presenting this to the membership, a motion was made for the league to provide its endorsement of Mayor Boonstra. The members of the league who were eligible to vote did so, and I am pleased to announce that the Wyckoff Republican League endorses Mayor Rudy Boonstra for reelection. Mayor Boonstra’s commitment and dedication to the township is unquestioned. From his vast experience on the boards of education -- local and regional -- to his membership on the planning and zoning boards, to his membership in the fire department, he has seen Wyckoff inside and out. His leadership during the recent storms, which devastated parts of Wyckoff, aptly demonstrates his capabilities and commitment. From walking the neighborhoods to checking on residents’ health and safety, to coordinating the use of the Wyckoff Public Library for those without heat and electricity, to spending hours in communication with PSE&G and Rockland Electric in order to get utilities restored, he gave to the residents without concern for his own health and safety. I call on all Republicans in Wyckoff to cast their vote for Mayor Boonstra on June 8 in support his re-election bid to the township committee. Robert I. Kane, President Wyckoff Republican League Wyckoff Dear Editor: The recreation department would like to thank the following participants in the May 8 Midland Park Beautification Day effort: Me & My shadow program members, who planted flowers at the DePhillips Community Center; Boy Scout Troop 157 members, who cleaned up the recreation and high school fields; Cub Scout Pack 157 members, who cleaned the recycling center, Veteran’s Memorial Plaza, and the Wortendyke playground area; and the Lions Club members, who planted flowers at the library. Thank you all for your time and generous efforts to help keep Midland Park beautiful! I would also like to thank Joe McElwain and the Bergen County Clean Community Program for supplying the borough with the equipment needed to make this day a success. Lori Dent, Recreation Director Midland Park Dear Editor: I am writing to express my support of Rudy Boonstra for Wyckoff Township Committee. He has considerable experience and knowledge of issues both in and out of government. Many residents may not know that for 35-plus years Rudy has been involved in the local schools and an advocate for children and their education. Rudy was elected to the Wyckoff Board of Education in 1973 and for 21 years served as a trustee in Wyckoff and at Ramapo/Indian Hills. He always sought to balance the interests of children, parents, staff members, and taxpayers. During his tenure on these boards of education, he was involved in the budget process, labor negotiations, personnel selection and evaluation, new program development, and athletics. He also served as board president. Shortly after Rudy left the Ramapo Hills Board of Education in 1994, he became involved with the Children’s Day Nursery and Family Center, a non-profit pre-school serving children and families of the inner city of Passaic. He was appointed to their board of directors in 1997 and currently serves as its president. Governing in today’s complex world is not easy and involves dedication, experience and a caring for the community. Rudy Boonstra has a proven track record and the skills to continue to serve on the Wyckoff Township Committee. He deserves your vote on June 8 in the Republican primary. Nancy Drabik Wyckoff Dear Editor: I am writing this letter of support for Rudy Boonstra for Wyckoff Township Committee. I have known Rudy for over 40 years. Rudy has consistently shown that he genuinely cares about the people of Wyckoff and our community. Rudy has served our community in many capacities for 20-plus years, serving on the Ramapo Indian Hills and Wyckoff School boards, chairman of the Wyckoff Zoning Board of Adjustment, and now as our mayor. Rudy dedicates countless hours to helping others. He is continuously working to reduce our taxes, improve our parks and recreation fields, and cares about open space resources. His recent handling of the emergency situation due to storm related power outages and tree damage across the township was admirable. Whether it is spending time on the ball fields around town or with our seniors, he is always sacrificing his time for the greater good of Wyckoff. Rudy Boonstra has the experience, energy and common sense approach we need as a leader on the Wyckoff Town- ship Committee. It is said that it takes a special person to influence change and make a positive difference in our community; Rudy Boonstra is that type of person. Please join me in showing your pride and appreciation for Rudy Boonstra by supporting him. Please cast your vote for Rudy Boonstra in the Republican primary on June 8. Marsha Shotmeyer Wyckoff Dear Editor: The recent rejection of the Wyckoff school budget wasn’t a decisive “no,” but it speaks volumes nonetheless. Credit goes to everyone who was compelled to exercise his or her right to vote despite the unusually long lines, particularly those disabled citizens who withstood the hassle while others turned away because they couldn’t be bothered. Were the majority of voters senior citizens? While waiting to vote 30 to 40 minutes, one could observe the lines had been comprised of a cross section of ages. Who are those parents who voted no? Is there an emerging consensus among young families that we don’t need to tolerate escalating costs to maintain a high level of education for our children? Are parents growing confident with the realization that our children won’t be subjected to squalid conditions despite fiscal responsibility? Student enrollment in New Jersey has increased by three percent over the past decade while total school hiring increased by 14 percent. The leadership of the New Jersey Education Association purports that fewer students per classroom will improve academic achievement, yet little evidence has been compiled to substantiate the claim. What is tangible is the increase in dues-paying jobs resulting from this scenario, which translates into higher costs. This is not an indictment of the quality teachers and administrative staff Wyckoff is fortunate to have. It’s a charge to understand the wasteful spending that does nothing to advance our children’s educations. We need to separate the wheat from the chaff and be willing to withstand the hassles associated with our attempts. Standing on a line for 30 to 40 minutes in order to be counted is just the beginning. I’m encouraged by the prospect and delight in the promise of better days ahead. Rich Bonsignore Wyckoff Home Owners Alliance Better days ahead? Endorses Boonstra Beautiﬁcation Day was success Supports incumbent Engaged? Just Married? Celebrating an Anniversary? 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