November 9, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 19 Letters to the Editor (continued from page 18) Wyckoff has faced since the collapse of the real estate market, which has resulted in payments of hundreds of thousands in tax refunds. Until Wyckoff voters established our open space fund, the money we were paying into Bergen County Open Space was going to other towns. By the end of 2008, Wyckoff had paid more than $1.9 million into the Bergen County fund than our town had received back in grants. Because we have our own open space trust fund, we won the $1.9 million grant for Russell Farms and got the $1.3 million recommendation for the proposed Maple Lake Preserve. All candidates in the election for Wyckoff Township Committee and the Wyckoff Planning and Zoning boards have unanimously endorsed extending our open space fund. With this fund, we prevented the high-density condos threatened for Russell Farms. It will be an effective tool in the negotiations concerning the Maple Lake Preserve, or if the CHCC amends its plans for the proposed 258unit condo development, or if the owners of Abma’s, our last working farm, decide to sell their land or development rights. For these reasons I will be voting yes on Nov. 8. Linda S. Vreeland Wyckoff We have seen first hand the energy, focus, and commitment Tom has shown, with both the Ramapo Board of Education and now on the township committee. Tom will continue to strive for educational excellence for the children of Wyckoff and advocate for the Fair School Funding Plan that will save all of Wyckoff taxpayers substantially. Tom embodies traditional family values and is equally devoted to his large family. He is an admired volunteer and supporter of our recreation programs, Wyckoff Education Foundation, and many church outreach activities and charities. We believe in him and know that Tom has the experience, the temperament, and the communication skills to build trust among our citizenry. Over the years, he has shown not only the leadership needed to serve on the township committee, but also the generosity and compassion. Bob and Mary Ann Musto Wyckoff Dear Editor: In the race for Wyckoff Township Committee, one candidate has been an advocate for prudent preservation of open space and protection of our township’s character and quality of life long before it became a standard plank in others’ platforms. Thanks to his organizational efforts, in 2006 we voted to create our own open space trust fund. This candidate is Committeeman Brian Scanlan. Primarily because we have our own open space trust fund, Bergen County Open Space granted us $1.9 million to complete the purchase of Russell Farms (total price: $3.1 million). This is a big benefit at no cost to Wyckoff taxpayers. After the farm’s remediation for pesticides, we will have a beautiful passive recreation park instead of the highdensity condos the developer was seeking to build there. If you are concerned about traffic, protection of our remaining open space from development is the single most effective way to prevent traffic from continuing to escalate. As a long-time member of the Wyckoff Historical Society, I have also seen Committeeman Scanlan’s interest in protection of our historic sites. He understands that our town’s historic character is a part of what makes Wyckoff a special place to live. I encourage all voters to re-elect Committeeman Scanlan on Nov. 8 and to vote “yes” on the public question to continue our open space trust fund for another five years so our township committee can use it to sensibly preserve the open space and farmland we have left in Wyckoff. Dr. Richard F. Lynch Wyckoff Dear Editor: When Brian Scanlan was elected to the township committee, we began to see the value in having a town council with a variety of views on the issues, and whose members don’t always agree on everything. Over the last three years, Committeeman Scanlan has brought more transparency and an unprecedented level of access to a public official (his home phone number, cell phone number, and e-mail address are on all his campaign materials). When have we seen that before? He actively seeks out residents’ ideas and opinions on the issues while forming his own. He has demonstrated a common sense fiscal conservatism. As a result, we have improved solutions to problems, and we have found new ways to save tax dollars in these difficult times. Beyond having someone who acts as a check on a one group monopoly, in Committeeman Scanlan we have someone who is not afraid to ask the tough questions. I have recently decided to change my voter registration to Independent. At all levels, I vote the person, not the party. I encourage my fellow Wyckoff residents that no matter how they may vote, to vote to re-elect Committeeman Scanlan on Nov. 8, as he has earned my trust. Henry Velez, MD Wyckoff Dear Editor: I am writing to show my support for Russ Kamp, and to urge my community partners to do the same. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to express why Mr. Kamp has my support and should be mayor of Midland Park I do not belong to a political party, which in my opinion makes me a valuable voter to any candidate. I won’t vote for a candidate simply because he or she is a Democrat, Republican, or Independent. Therefore, any political party can win my vote based on an understanding of the issues we face as a town and how diligently a candidate will work toward addressing, fixing, enhancing, and improving such issues. The candidates were asked “Why are you seeking the position?” I believe Mr. Kamp addressed this question; however, I feel as if Mr. O’Hagan went on a smear campaign tactic and only addressed why he felt his fellow candidate, his fellow resident should not be mayor. The question was asked “What specific plans would you wish to implement if elected?” Once again, I believe Mr. Kamp addressed this question by informing us he would identify the infrastructure opportunities and wants to make our community more desirable for business owners, which would only improve the quality of this town for its residents. After reading Mr. O’Hagan’s response, I felt as if he believes his hands are tied, he can only do what he can do. I felt as if this town would maintain the status quo under Mr. O’Hagan’s leadership. Midland Park has its obstacles, for sure. I will vote for a candidate I feel will move heaven and earth to improve this town for its residents and its business owners. If Mr. O’Hagan spent less time slandering his opponent, and more time addressing the real issues at hand and what he plans to do to better our community, then he might have had a chance of winning my vote. However, I believe a good leader is someone who has a clear objective of the task at hand and is dedicated to achieving the goals he or she is seeking to achieve. I believe Russ Kamp has clear objectives and will take this town to the next level. Bud O’Hagan’s only clear objective was to disparage his opponent. That’s not what is important to me as a Midland Park resident raising three young children. I have high hopes for the future of my children here. That is why I support Russ Kamp for mayor of Midland Park. Toni Carrea Midland Park Dear Editor: Midland Park is in the enviable position of being one of only two boroughs in the state to have no debt. This didn’t happen by accident or overnight. It is the result of many years of prudent fiscal management by the Republican team, Bud O’Hagan, Nick Papapietro, and Mike Junta, all of whom are running for election this Tuesday. The financial shenanigans going on in Europe are impacting our 401Ks and pensions here and putting our retirement plans in disarray. We can’t change what’s happing in Greece, but we can keep our local government small and accountable to the voters in Midland Park. I once heard a local politician say there’s no Democratic or Republican way to pick up the garbage. True enough, but there is a difference in how that activity is paid for. In these tough financial times, I support the proven conservative management demonstrated by the Midland Park Republicans. Jack Considine Midland Park Dear Editor: Remember the ice and snow last winter? If you want to have clear roads this coming winter, the road department needs your immediate help. It is imperative to clear the roads so that all branches and shrubs are removed to a height of 13 feet, to allow snowplows and emergency vehicles to have unimpeded access to the whole roadway. Branches that extend over the road growing from your curbside and are lower than 13 feet need to be removed. Properties that do not meet this criterion, failing to clear their property accordingly, will be in violation of the property maintenance ordinance, and the town will have no other recourse but to issue a summons for this violation. So please, do yourself and your neighbors a favor and clear any obstructions growing from your curb into the roads. Marion Mahn, Shade Tree Commissioner Franklin Lakes (continued on page 27) Brian Scanlan: Progress for Wyckoff Dear Editor: I am writing as a lifetime Republican voter who has been swayed by the unusual and exemplary characteristics of a very special candidate for continuing as a member of the governing body of our township. We all must ask, as most of us do, what we want of our legislative representatives. What do we expect? What qualities do we find essential? Diligence in the fulfillment of the duties of office, open and fair-mindedness for the welfare of all rather than the interests of one party, faith in the voices of all who share the interests of all citizens as members of all faiths, a display of sincere concerns for all who express the informed views of a multitude of opinions, and honesty in thoughts, expressions, and deeds. No one can disagree with these attributes regardless of political allegiance. Brian Scanlan exhibits and represents each and every one of these attributes. As a member of our board of health, I can attest to his constant presence, contributions, and handson participation in our deliberations, as well as the delivery of services to all of us. This was true with the administration of influenza vaccine to volunteer fire, ambulance, and police personnel, and seniors who attended the Health Fair, just to mention a few. For him, time has not been a consideration, nor the fact that he has also been an exemplary member of the township committee and an active participant in our community. When different opinions have been presented on issues of wide concern, I have seen him listen to all points of view and, where appropriate, he has changed his own to meet the needs of many. He has sincerely voiced his concerns for overall welfare and costs, without a derogatory comment about the views, character or actions of others that were relevant to an issue being debated. Brian has been a man for all seasons, for all citizens, and for public benefits at affordable costs. No more can be expected of anyone. We have been blessed to have him volunteer in our behalf. I urge you to show your appreciation for the opportunity to have Brian Scanlan represent all of us. Dorothy Voorman-Fish Wyckoff Democratic candidate earns Republican’s support Incumbents are fiscally prudent Voting for an individual: Brian Scanlan Community action required Dear Editor: We have lived in Wyckoff for over 20 years with our two children who have attended our excellent public schools. We initially met Tom Madigan through our involvement at Saint Elizabeth’s Church in Wyckoff. We have always been impressed by his dedication to the town, our school systems, and the charities that he is involved with. We have witnessed his devotion to children, opening his home to children from overseas so they can get life-saving surgery as part of the Rotary Gift of Life Program. We have lived in Wyckoff all these years because of the small town feel and rich tradition of fiscal conservatism. We believe that Tom Madigan will continue the fight to keep our taxes low and help keep out state mandates that negatively affect our way of life. Energy, focus, commitment: Tom Madigan Kamp presents clear intentions