Candidate Profile: Jim Schappert For Wyckoff Township Committee

WYCKOFF, NJ — Three of five seats on the Wyckoff Township Committee are up for a vote this year. In Wyckoff's form of government, five commissioners are chosen for three-year terms, and elect a mayor from among themselves each year.

One of the seats to be filled was vacated last year when longtime commissioner Tom Madigan passed away.

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Two Republican candidates are running in the upcoming primary election on Tuesday for the party nominationto fill the two three-year seats. And an incumbent is running to fill the one-year seat.

As the sample ballot for Tuesday's primary notes, no Democratic candidates filed to get the nomination to face off for the seats.

Peter Melchionne and Roger J. Lane (the incumbent mayor) are running for re-election to the three-year seats, with the backing of the Bergen County Republican party.

James A. Schappert is running for the one-year term, also with party endorsement. He was picked to fill Madigan's seat last year.

Below is Schappert's profile.

Name: Jim Schappert

Age: 67

Government positions: Completing my first year on the Wyckoff Township Committee after being appointed in 2025 following the passing of Tom Madigan. Previously, I served on the Wyckoff Board of Education for the preceding three years. I also served on the Wyckoff Recreation Board for two terms.

Current job: Senior Director at The Hackett Group, a Management Consulting Firm.

Educational background: Business Administration Degree from Rutgers University in 1980

Volunteer work: Over my 40+ years in Wyckoff I have been a volunteer coach for travelling baseball, recreation softball and baseball as well at football.

Family information (whatever you're willing to disclose): I moved to Wyckoff in 1985 and raised my family here who attended Wyckoff Public Schools and Ramapo High School.

Two longer questions (Please keep answers to 250 words or less, or we may truncate them.)

1. What do you think are the biggest problems facing your electorate right now, and how do you hope to help solve them?
   1. One of the biggest challenges we face today is the overreach of Trenton as they discuss taking away our local zoning rights in favor of their plan for religious and not for profit properties. Clearly the cost of health care is also at the top of the list for our school and township employees.
2. Why do you believe you're the most qualified person for the spot, among current and future political opponents?
   1. My value proposition for the town is 40+ years of residency including countless hours of volunteer work, three years of Board of Education experience supporting our most valuable asset (2,000 children), one year of experience on the Township Committee and the perspective each of those areas provide. I love the Township of Wyckoff, it is a very special place.

More Information

Voters who are registered Republicans can vote in the Republican primary.

The candidates who win on Tuesday may face independent opponents in the November general election, should independent candidates file by this Tuesday at 4 p.m.

See the election calendar and voting information for New Jersey here.