Dear Editor,

Reading the campaign platforms of the two sets of candidates running for Wyckoff Township Committee on November 3, it’s not so easy to discern a difference. One needs to know the full background of the candidates’ previous involvement in the issues to make an informed choice. Control of property taxes, preservation of open space, and proper handling of development are at the top of the list of issues.

I am enthusiastically endorsing Brian Hubert, my running mate last fall, and Diane Sobin for Wyckoff Township Committee. The primary reason I am supporting Brian and Diane is because they have been actively involved in the key issues affecting Wyckoff and we know where they stand. Both Brian Hubert and Diane Sobin not only signed the petition which put the open space trust fund on the ballot in 2006, they both personally secured hundreds of signatures and campaigned actively for its passage. They are not Johnny-come-lately candidates jumping on a bandwagon. Wyckoff’s open space trust fund puts it in a better position to secure county open space grant money to purchase Russell Farms.

Brian Hubert and Diane Sobin also have also openly expressed concern about the development issues affecting Wyckoff. Neither of them own any property in Wyckoff besides the homes they live in. Beyond politics, both have been active volunteers in other areas, including as coaches and for our schools. Displaying a refreshing lack of arrogance and knowing they must be responsive to residents’ concerns, Brian Hubert and Diane Sobin have also shown both good judgment and high character.

Following a policy Brian Hubert and I followed last fall, the Hubert-Sobin campaign is accepting no contributions from county or state political organizations, Township employees, or from firms doing business with the Township.

Party affiliation matters very little at the local level. Brian Hubert will be listed in Column 1 on Election Day, and Diane Sobin will be listed as an independent in Column 3. No matter whom you vote for in the governor or freeholders’ races on November 3, I encourage you to vote for Brian Hubert and Diane Sobin for Wyckoff Township Committee.

Sincerely,

Brian Scanlan
Wyckoff Township Committee