Mayor Again, Boonstra Seeks to Improve Quality of Life in Wyckoff

Wyckoff welcomed a familiar face to lead its governing body at the township's annual reorganization meeting on Tuesday.

The annual New Year's Day event is the public's first face-to-face look at the new make up of the committee, as well as the governing body's opportunity to appoint board members and select a new mayor and deputy mayor.

Rudy Boonstra was selected as the township's leader, and Doug Christie was selected as deputy mayor.

"It is my distinct honor to have Mr. Boonstra serve as the mayor for 2013," said Committeeman Kevin Rooney, before Boonstra was given unanimous approval by the committee.

"I love this town," Boonstra said following his selection. "I'm humbled that you have chosen me as your chairman and as such, your mayor for 2013." 

"We're fortunate to live in a community regarded throughout the state as one of the most desirable places to live. Our reputation has been acquired over many years through the hard work and dedication of many of our residents," Boonstra said.  

Boonstra, a lifelong resident of Wyckoff, has served on the Township Committee since 2008 and was chosen as deputy mayor in 2009 and mayor in 2010.

"Local government requires tough decisions from its elected officials — 2013 will be no different," Boonstra said. "Residents know that our decisions demand a commitment of time residents trust that their elected leaders will have a vision for maintaining the special quality that Wyckoff provides."

Boonstra said he would work tirelessly for the community with continued enthusiasm and dedication, and do all he could "to protect and improve the quality of life" in Wyckoff. 

Boonstra has been a volunteer firefighter, school board trustee, zoning board chairman, and has worked in the dairy industry for 45 years.

Committeeman Doug Christie was chosen to be deputy mayor, a position which, historically but not by law, leads to the mayor's seat the following year. The position also permits Christie to act in place of Boonstra in his absence.

Wyckoff's previous mayor, Chris DePhillips, served his final year on the committee in 2012 and gave his farewell address before the reorganization meeting.

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