See The Election Results

The Journal offered candidates running for election an opportunity to communicate with the residents of Wyckoff directly. Below are the submissions from David Connolly and Kathy Scarpelli.

David Connolly

I am seeking re-election to the governing body of Wyckoff as there is much to be done to keep taxes low, services high and quality of life as good. The biggest challenge facing Wyckoff today is the ever increasing cost of running a town with the drastic reduction in financial support supplied by the State. The State’s debt is impacting Wyckoff citizens and fiscal restraint is the order of the day. Wyckoff has always sought a conservative approach and avoided leverage as best possible. From my government experience, the leverage my opponents speak of will raise the cost of running Wyckoff which will ultimately force higher taxes. This fact along with receiving fewer dollars back from Trenton will require experience in balancing what is best for all in Wyckoff.

Despite these challenges, Wyckoff continues to do more with less. We must continue to be more creative and work harder and smarter in order to cut costs while maintaining the high level of services our residents are accustom to.

I will also make the difficult decisions that avoid high density housing as mandated by the state agency known as COAH. These people, like my opponents, are trying ALL the time to tell what to do with private property. My track record shows I support private property rights and can implement ordinances that benefit all while supporting a basic principal the founding fathers of America.

For those that know me, you understand where I am coming from. The lack of a personal agenda is something my father always made clear to me. In these difficult times it is easy to waiver, buckle at the knees and bend for special interests. My parents always taught me to be able to look in the mirror in the morning, do your best and see an honest person whose ability to do what is right, sacrifice for others and expect nothing in return is very important. As your neighbor and Wyckoff Township Committee Member I can look every citizen in Wyckoff square in the eye knowing I not only keep the values my parents gave me and teach my children by example.

I will stay the course learned of working for all and be proud to call Wyckoff my home.

Sincerely,
David N. Connolly

Kathy Scarpelli

I am running for a seat on the Wyckoff Township Committee because the timing is right, and a replacement is needed for longtime member and former Mayor Harold Galenkamp. I have known Harold for many years and have worked along side him in several capacities. It would be an honor to follow his record of service to our community. My number one priority for the past 11 years has always been my commitment to the Regional School Board and I have enjoyed my tenure there. I am now comfortable with the thought of leaving these duties if I am successful in this election. I have had the privilege of working with residents from the FLOW area and participated in many exciting initiatives - the successful improvement and expansion of our two high schools, the creation of the University programs, and the offering of school choice to all three sending districts are just a few examples. I will take this experience and the relationships I have built in the FLOW area and use them to help our Township Committee serve the interests of all of our residents and face the challenges ahead.

Kathy Scarpelli

Addendum

During the Spring primary election Kathy Scarpelli and I walked door to door and shook hands of several thousand people. The message was telling the truth, integrity and realize we live in Wyckoff and politics at this level is local and personal.

Again we have walked door to door together and alone at times. The resounding mis-information and slams against our town approach a very upsetting trend. It is sad to see the NY style of ugly statements being made about members of the governing body are in no way true. I feel the Wyckoff citizens are intelligent enough to recognize a “Good story can get in the way of the truth.”

Damage being done by our opponents to a quiet town approach a nasty level that should never have happened. I look forward to their correcting statements and staying with facts and keeping it a pleasant competitive voting situation.

Information on either of us can be found in all the papers and our web site www.wyckoffnow.com; any questions call me I am in the phone book

David N. Connolly