See The Election Results
Wyckoff residents recently had an opportunity to meet the Democratic challengers running for the Township Committee. Brian Scanlan and Brian Hubert held a meet & greet at the local library to introduce themselves to prospective voters, discuss some of the issues facing voters, and take questions. For those who have not attended similar events for either party in the past, these gatherings usually provide residents with an opportunity to interact with candidates without the formalities that often separate constituent from politician; approximately 30 residents were in attendance.
Mostly, these events draw voters already committed to a particular party or candidate, and this was almost true for the Hubert & Scanlan event. One resident came prepared with some questions which, while not aggressive, appeared to indicate concerns with both political parties and a desire to get a fuller picture of her options as a voter. The resident’s questioning brought up discussions that revolved around the continued increases in municipal taxes, and the issue of distrust that seems evident with regards to Brian Scanlan and his relationship with the present Township Committee. Responding to an accusation that lawsuits against the town are a drain on taxpayers’ money, Brian Scanlan responded that the lawsuit targeting the Boulder Run development was filed by a private citizen who opposed the plan. With regards to efforts by Save The Ravine, he believes the governing body failed to make any effort to preserve the property even though the owner was open to negotiating a sale to the town; that the development of the property does not benefit the town economically; and, that the Township Committee was misrepresenting the facts to justify their decisions.
On the issue of taxes, the Democratic candidates contend that municipal taxes have increased 24% over the last two years, not including the Open Space tax, and that surrounding towns have maintained a significantly lower percent increase while working under the same state mandated restrictions. Their responses to the continued tax increases followed a theme that the present Township Committee is fixed in their ways and refuses to explore new methodologies. Speaking specifically to the tax issue, Brian Hubert offered his previous 7 years of experience as a council member in Ridgefield Park working on budgets and contract negotiations, as well as his professional skills as a controller in the financial industry; Brian Scanlan expressed his beliefs that seeking alternative avenues for revenue and encouraging volunteer efforts can improve services while keeping taxes down.
The open debate amongst residents in the community over the Ravine and Boulder Run have brought the issue of Wyckoff’s future growth into the forefront of public consciousness, and both sides are working to exploit the situation for political advantage. The one resident who appeared undecided raised an issue over “the tone” which has evolved in these debates. Opponents of the projects have been known to use terms such as junta in describing the present Township Committee, while the governing body has used phraseology that portrays the opposition as a band of rebels. This brought up questions as to how they would be effective as minority members in the governing body.
Both candidates expressed respect for individual members of the present Township Committee, and described instances where parties have worked together for the betterment of the town. They believe that Wyckoff’s present elected officials have good intentions, but there is a lack of diversity which prevents a broader discussion. Their goal is not to bring contention, but to broaden the base of experience and knowledge in an effort to open the process to new ideas. If elected, they hoped their presence would help encourage greater public participation in determining the future of Wyckoff.
As the recent event attracted mostly supporters of the two candidates, there was an abundance of critical comments directed at the governing body. Complaints ranged from displeasure with policy decisions, to an overwhelming consensus that the present Township Committee is often discourteous to those who voice opinion at public meetings. One resident, having learned that the governing body was requiring more parking at Boulder Run than that mandated by the State, was angry that their decision was preventing the developer from putting in additional tree banks which might lessen the impact of the clearing caused by construction. His complaint on policy included a perceived arrogance from the council when he questioned them as to why municipal variances for parking have been issued in other situations but not allowed for Boulder Run.
A significant number of residents in attendance were senior citizens who expressed concerns over both increasing taxes and lack of resources for passive recreation. They applauded the work done to improve the active recreational facilities, but felt efforts should be made to improve areas that might appeal to an older generation of residents. One particular area focused on the potential for a walking path around Wyckoff’s community park. The existing path has fallen into disrepair, and improvements could make it a viable option for those seeking outdoor exercise. There was also concern expressed over the future of Maplewood Lake.
As the Maplewood Lake property is probably one of the next major issues to be addressed, residents were interested in having more transparency in the overall governing process. There was a common sentiment by those in attendance that opposing viewpoints are not given voice, and communal debate is stifled on many issues. The candidates responded by expressing interest in reviewing the possibility of televising various meetings, providing an Internet solution through web casting, or other options that would provide a greater public forum.
Republican and Democratic candidates both have websites offering fuller descriptions of their qualifications, experience, achievements, and goals for the future. They can be accessed at:
