TOPIC: Wyckoff Government Rules by Exclusion in 2010

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 Wyckoff Suburban News 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? 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
308 Voorhis Ave.
Wyckoff, NJ