The time has come when all the candidates, running for a political office, are out and about. In Wyckoff two seats are available in this race.

To begin and beware I am an extremely conservative person. I will listen to anyone however when they become downright whacko I just walk away. I also hold that “the opposition” are in serious need of additional synapses. That said …

First off I am a huge supporter of Mr. Kevin Rooney. I met Kevin not too long ago and found that he was a man of my own thinking and also a man of great dedication to his office. When Kevin served as Mayor I have to say he was exceptional. He took the office to heart and dedicated himself to all the tasks involved. And if you are not aware of how difficult the position is, again, come out to a Township Committee meeting and see it in action!

When I first met Kevin I addressed him as Mr. Mayor. He WAS, in all parts Mr. Mayor. Kevin is a very warm person who believes in civility, kindness, and a dedication to service where he is always ready to say, “How can I help you.”

Well over the months we met a few more times, and had many good discussions. At one meeting he asked me to call him Kevin. That one statement says so much. In my age, growing up, one always called someone Mister, Miss, or Misses. And yup, I do like those days, rather than this day of “political correctness” which does nothing but cloud one’s mind and alters your thinking into something the progressives want you to think. Well this one statement meant a lot. It meant that Kevin was a man who wants real civility and proves it.

Over the next year, as I watched and learned I saw that Mr. Rooney values honesty, hard work, and integrity as he is hallmarks. I know by his actions, not just his words. During the major storms of 2011 Kevin was out an about the entire Township. He was there, on the “front lines” helping families, doing what a Mayor could for the Police, DPW, Fire Department and the Ambulance Corps. He was helping to pump out basements, helping residents find shelter, riding with the Police and Fire Departments to keep up to date on the damage.

In his position as mayor Kevin called on the Township Committee for a special funding for the clean up after the October 31^st storm. AND Kevin kept the costs within reason but also kept the quality of service high.

Kevin also set up information areas at both the Town Hall and at Boulder Run to keep the residents informed. A very active representation of the man in action, not just words.

As the current Police Commissioner Kevin has arranged public meetings in order to address the break in issues and to keep the residents informed. Both meetings were well attended.

I have known Kevin to support smaller causes. Our recent Peace Day where a young Girl Scout planted the Town Hall with pin wheels made with pencils and paper was hugely support by Kevin. He is always supporting any activity that brings the Township and the youth of Wyckoff together.

One memorable moment was when Kevin sat, listening carefully, to resident who wanted to hold a model boat regatta in Zabriski pond. There was an almost universal “no”, because of deed restrictions on the property. Kevin came up with a number of ideas that could turn that “no” into a YES. Kevin offered many good suggestions on how it could happen.

Kevin is constantly assisting residents in ways you would not know but he is there. I do know that if someone asks his help, he is ready to do it and he follows through.

Kevin Rooney is a man of total and deep INTEGRITY!  Kevin will never divulge a confidential matter and has a very keen sense of propriety. Kevin is very strict on what can and cannot be done. He is forthright with expenses and he is a man who will “spend” Township funds wisely. As an example when Wyckoff was seeking a new truck for the DPW Kevin was out and about, on his own time, to find a proper used vehicle that would suit the DPW. He went from Pennsylvania to Florida to look at trucks. And he saved the Township a good $ 50,000.00 in the process. It was probably more.

Kevin has done so much for Wyckoff, that is unseen and unknown. Some of know a small part but only his family will ever know the extent, because Kevin Rooney is a very modest man.

Wyckoff cannot afford to lose Kevin Rooney on the Township Committee and we certainly need a man, such as Kevin ON the Committee to keep the tax rate down, the town safety up, and the feel of Wyckoff as the place to raise our children and grandchildren

Now Mr. Haakon Jepsen who I have come to know of the last months is a man who we really needs to be on the Wyckoff Township Committee.. One cannot be anything but impressed with Mr. Jepsen when you meet him. He is a man of faith. A man of great integrity. A man of honor.

I have found Mr. Jepsen to have great insights into local government and someone who will bring some truly fresh and inventive ideas to Wyckoff. We have sat next to each other at meetings and I find him always ready to offer an alternative view and one which is inspired.

We recently stood on the steps of the Town Hall and discussed items around town and he had some really great ideas. I was really impressed with Haakon’s grasp of the needs of the Town and also the knowledge on how to best meet these needs.

Haakon is also another man who is ready and willing to help others. I am sure he will be true to his word.

As co-director of the 20^th Annual Men’s Cornerstone Program at Saint Elizabeth’s Church he is involved in a well known leadership position and works with many of the Town’s men to provide a spiritual environment for their growth. I am positive that Haakon will bring the same level of dedication to the Township Committee.

As a Senior Analyst for Deutsche Bank Global Engineering Division I am confident he has encountered many problems and effectively solved them, such as he will face on our Committee.

And, frankly, I just plain like him ! Haakon is a down to earth, confident, expressive and intelligent man who I know will be great for Wyckoff.

I urge you all to VOTE for Haakon Jepsen for Wyckoff Township Committee. He is a perfect match for the Committee and our Town

COME OUT AND MEET THESE FINE CANDIDATES on 9 OCTOBER 2012 at the Wyckoff Public Library, 200 Woodland Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ  07481  the James Monroe Memorial Room from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

You will be rewarded for your time in meeting TWO good men who you too can support and VOTE FOR on 6 NOVEMBER 2012 !