Letters to the Editor (continued from page 18) is unmatched, always putting the residents of Wyckoff first. Haakon also rolls up his sleeves and is committed to conservative and strong family values. Raising a young family, he knows and understands the need for fiscal restraint and the challenges with our precious tax dollars. Haakon also recognizes the community spirit of volunteerism in town and is committed to keeping Wyckoff such a desirable place to raise a family. Those who know him value and respect his listening skills and the fresh and creative approach he will bring to the township committee. Keeping taxes low, smart growth, safety and security, transparency, the benefits of the private/public partnership of the Wyckoff Parks and Recreation Foundation are just a few of the reasons we support Rooney and Jepsen. With open and inquisitive minds to think things through, both share the necessary skill sets to represent all Wyckoff residents. Re-elect Kevin Rooney and elect Haakon Jepsen Nov. 6. They represent positive and responsible leadership, with the traditions and values that make Wyckoff a better place for all! Tom and Mary Madigan Wyckoff Dear Editor: My name is Jackie Veliky and I’m running for the board of education in Franklin Lakes. My husband, Michael, and I have four children: a sophomore in high school, an eighth grader and a sixth grader at FAMS, and a third grader at Woodside Avenue School. We’ve lived in town for 10 years; its exceptional school system being a primary reason for our choosing Franklin Lakes. I’m running for the board because, as a mother and a former professional, I cannot think of a more important goal for myself than working toward a world class school district to educate the children who will one day inherit the leadership roles in our society. I’ve been volunteering in the Franklin Lakes Public Schools and community for over 10 years by chairing committees, serving as president and treasurer of Woodside PTA, and taking part in district-wide focus groups, including the Efficiency Study. I serve as treasurer for both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts here in town. Having attended board meetings regularly, I decided to run for the board as a natural evolution of my active role as a parent. I have a proven history of being an outspoken, yet committed and dedicated team player. Our district consistently faces new challenges, including budget restrictions, education reform, and state mandates. Through my involvement in the schools, I understand that when the board of education makes a decision, it can’t be a decision based purely on emotions; the decision is made based on how it affects students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers. With my extensive financial background as a CPA and MBA, I’m in a unique position to help the board balance district goals with fiscal responsibility. I believe in open communication, positive, respectful behavior, and in working collaboratively with our school administrators and other board members, all of which are imperative to creating a strong board and moving our district forward. I ask you to vote for me, Jacqueline Veliky, on Nov. 6. Jacqueline Veliky Franklin Lakes (the tax increase was 0.07 percent) – with no program cuts. In fact, they are continuing to improve programs and maintain the infrastructure. How have they done this? By making tough decisions, such as moving employees from an existing medical insurance program to the state’s School Employees Health Benefits Program, a change that resulted in savings of almost $50,000 per month; negotiating administrator contributions to health care premiums; continuing to grow our special education and pre-school programs, which provide additional revenue sources while allowing our children to stay in our district; and effectively using alternate revenue sources like federal and state grant monies to restore and support positions such as the middle school library media specialist. We need to continue down the path of excellence in education and I believe a vote for Schwartz, Bennett, and Veliky is the way to go. On Election Day, choose experience, dedication, and fiscal prudence. Joe Conti Franklin Lakes Dear Editor: I have known Eileen Avia for many years, both as a friend and a fellow teacher. Her generosity is well known among our neighbors, and her professional reputation is flawless. But what I would like to bring to the attention of Wyckoff voters is her down-to-earth, hands-on approach to life. Eileen raised her two boys as a working single parent, and has known the ups and downs of family life. She has owned and maintained her own home in Wyckoff for over 30 years. In addition, she has been an active member of the community for decades, serving on various committees, working in Saint Elizabeth’s CCD program and on the EMS squad, and even leading a Cub Scout troop. She has always strived to help maintain the highest standards for our town. Eileen’s desire to bring balance to the township committee is genuine and selfless. She doesn’t see herself as a lofty politician, but rather as one of us – raising our families, paying our taxes, trying to preserve the small-town values that make Wyckoff exceptional. In addition, she has something fresh to bring to the township committee: a woman’s point of view. I hope Wyckoff voters will seize this opportunity to elect Eileen Avia to the township committee. There is no doubt that she possesses the skills and professionalism to do the job. More importantly, she has the integrity, sincerity, and humility we need in our leadership. I will cast one vote on Nov. 6 -- for Eileen Avia. Elizabeth Strauss Wyckoff October 31, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 19 Schwartz, and Veliky will do just that. Being an effective public servant requires a significant amount of time and an open mind. Bennett, Schwartz, and Veliky have clearly demonstrated that they are up to the challenge. All residents of Franklin Lakes will benefit with their election. Jeanne M. Patrican Franklin Lakes Casting a vote for Avia Seeking support in school board race Dear Editor: I am writing to support Chris Della Pietra’s reelection bid for the Wyckoff Board of Education. Wyckoff prides itself on the strength of our schools and we are all proud to be designated a high performing district (the highest honor from the New Jersey Department of Education). Given the budgetary constraints and constant demands on our town, our BOE has to be vigilant in balancing its responsibility to taxpayers with the needs of students. In my opinion, no one is more qualified to serve us than Chris. As a successful attorney, Chris has valuable experience helping businesses with complex financial and employment matters. Plus, he has three daughters in our public schools so he knows firsthand the strength of our teachers and schools. After volunteering to fill a vacant seat, he rose to the challenge to positively impact the board. He currently is chair of the Facilities Committee and a member of the Finance Committee. Do all our residents realize that our school budget is 72 percent of the township’s budget? Contrary to the traditional solution to simply “throw money at it,” Chris believes the answer is not just more resources, but resourcefulness and vigilance to manage our wonderful school district. The transition to operating under the new state budget cap of two percent will require new and innovative approaches. As a Wyckoff Education Foundation trustee, I have witnessed the technological advances in education and appreciate the need for forward thinking and creative solutions. Our district faces difficult challenges the next few years with union contracts up for renegotiation. We will need an open and honest approach to solving our district’s needs and I have tremendous faith in Chris’ integrity and ability to find the right solutions for all. I respectfully ask you to vote for Chris Della Pietra. Kevin Amerio Wyckoff Dear Editor: Wyckoff residents expect that candidates for township office will embrace fiscal policies that will conserve tax dollars. Two candidates for township committee, Kevin Rooney and Haakon Jepsen, are doing just that. They understand that the township must do more with less and must find creative solutions to address the community’s challenges without increasing taxes. The community should know that another township committee candidate, Eileen Avia, has developed a different record on two important fiscal issues in Wyckoff: Ms. Avia has taken no action to support the efforts of the Wyckoff Parks and Recreation Foundation, which is raising private funds to enhance Pulis and Memorial fields for the benefit and safety of the township’s 2,000 children who use these fields. More than 95 percent of the cost of this innovative private-public partnership will be borne by private donations, not taxpayers. Why would Ms. Avia not support this creative and fiscally responsible initiative? In 2010, the Wyckoff community voted down the K-8 school budget. Upon rejection, the budget was referred to the township committee for recommendations. Among other things, the township committee asked the teachers’ union to consider a 2.9 percent salary increase, instead of a 4.4 percent salary increase, to save the taxpayers $250,000. At a public hearing on the budget, the union leadership refused to consider the township committee’s recommendation and refused to submit this question to its membership. When Ms. Avia, a member of the teachers’ union, had an opportunity to speak up for the taxpayers, she remained silent. Please vote for the team of Kevin Rooney and Haakon Jepsen for township committee on Nov. 6. They will stand up for Wyckoff taxpayers. Christopher P. DePhillips, Mayor Wyckoff Della Pietra brings integrity, ability to board Rooney & Jepsen in taxpayers’ corner Dear Editor: The yard signs are abundant. As a Franklin Lakes resident and 15-year member of the board of education, I believe it is a good time to reflect upon the last few years and understand what has been accomplished. The board improved the educational experience of our children by supporting and approving new curriculum for both language arts and mathematics, by hiring many excellent teachers, and by adding a pre-school program, while remaining fiscally responsible to our citizens. The current board members understood the fiscal constraints brought about by the difficult economic climate and worked tirelessly to insure that the education of our most precious resource, our children, would not be compromised. Faced with a $1.2 million reduction in state aid in 2010-11 and a two percent spending cap, they developed and executed a 2011-12 budget with an increase of only 1.56 percent. Additionally, the 2012-13 budget was almost flat Vote for experience, dedication, fiscal prudence Dear Editor: Though many people in many organizations speak of change, few are actually able to identify valid change opportunities, research them, and gather consensus. It is even more difficult when the change involves a subject as passionate as our schools and our children. I am voting for Kathie Schwartz, Margaret Bennett, and Jackie Veliky for the Franklin Lakes Board of Education because they embody these attributes and will work for academic improvements, while being fiscally responsible. As a resident who no longer has children in the school system, I was surprised to learn that enrollment had decreased and pleased that the efficiency study committee on which all three served, was exploring options to best use current resources while maintaining high curriculum standards. It is my understanding that this was a learning process for all and that it was approached with an open mind. I was also pleased to learn that 18 of the 22 members recommended further exploration of an alternative model that groups children by grade instead of splitting them into multiple buildings, a model that has been successful in Ramsey, Upper Saddle River, Mahwah, Chatham, and elsewhere. The committee has since disbanded, but I am glad the study was performed and the research available for future initiatives. The board should be commended for being proactive in looking for solutions. We deserve board members who will seek opinions and conduct a measured, unbiased, and thorough evaluation of possible solutions. Bennett, Support for Veliky, Schwartz, Bennett