Boonstra: Real Leadership, Proven Experience

Editor's note: The following was submitted by Mayor Rudy Boonstra, who faces a primary challenge on June 8 for the Republican line on the ballot in the fall election.

It is Friday, Feb. 26, 2010, in Wyckoff, N.J. We have just received more than 18 inches of heavy snow. Trees and power lines are down all over town; thousands of residents have no power. Families with young children and homebound seniors have no heat. Schools are closed for classes; I have requested our public library to be opened as a warm shelter for those in need. The Wyckoff Police Department is patrolling darkened neighborhoods. The Wyckoff Fire Department and Road Departments are practically running 24-hour operations.

Repeat that scenario on March 13, 2010, when a massive rain and windstorm hits our town. During those two instances of need and despair, and witnessing the common acts of charity amongst our citizens, police, fire and road departments, I was reminded why I love Wyckoff and why I have dedicated most of my adult life volunteering for this great town.

This year, the Republican voters of Wyckoff will have a choice in the June 8 primary as to who will represent them on the ballot in the general election in November.  These are challenging times. We are all witnessing and experiencing the fiscal crisis in our own lives but now also in our township and school budgets. The township is facing large development projects in ShopRite and the Christian Health Care Center.  Years of fiscal irresponsibility at the state level have put undue strain and unfunded mandates on our township. It is time for real leadership. It is time for proven experience. It is time for hard decisions to be made. The Township Committee has started making these decisions, but there is more work to do. I have more work to do for the town that I love.

 There are complex issues that will affect each and every one of us. Residents will be affected in tax rates, children will be affected in their school programs, and we will all be affected by the look and feel of our beautiful town. This is the time to stay the course with the experienced candidate, rather than take a risk on an inexperienced candidate and hope for the best. The current Township Committee is controlling costs at the township level. We are looking at everything, we are thinking outside the box, we are making hard decisions and making progress. 

During the first four months of this year alone, I along with the Township Committee negotiated our police and road department contracts. I would like to mention that these two contracts were completed without the need of arbitration, a process that can carry a significant cost to the township.

My 20 years of experience on the zoning Board of Adjustment will ensure that both our land use boards (zoning board and Planning Board) maintain the character and charming small-town atmosphere we all love during the ShopRite and Christian Health Care Center application process. My 22 years of experience on the Wyckoff and Ramapo Indian Hills boards of education will help guide the current Board of Education in this time of fiscal challenge to meet the needs of our children.

My fellow citizens, after dealing with the numerous challenges during my first term on the Township Committee and witnessing the strength of this town as a community, I am now more than ever committed to Wyckoff. As a lifelong resident with a wide breath of experience across many diverse areas, I believe I am the right choice for Wyckoff in the June Republican primary and the November general election. I am asking for your support and to join me in making Wyckoff even a better place tomorrow than it is today.