Some Thoughts on the Last Meeting

Well, once again, I was sitting in my usual chair at the Wyckoff Township Committee meeting on 17 July.

I must say it was nice to see some additional people in the audience this time, who were not going to speak but just listen and learn. I am hoping that my writings, here, can bring out more people to support their Township and the Committee.

NOW we must get to observations. As usual I was early. ( I was trained, many years ago that if you're five minutes early, you're late ).

Mr. Shannon had his always hearty "Hello" and a bit of chat. Mr. Shannon always has a good word for everyone. You should get to meet Mr. Shannon. He does an exceptional job !

It was good to see Mr. Scanlan feeling much better and looking much improved. Now here is something you all should know. There are times when we must separate our politics from our minds and see someone as a man. Well Mr. Scanlan made a point of coming up to me and offering an apology for a mistake in our first meeting. This one kind act was a great thing. No matter that we may differ on many things, what one cannot differ on is civility and kindness. Mr. Scanlan stood up and did just this. He and I shall probably be apart in our thinking in some areas, however I must acknowledge his thoughts and his ability to correct a mistake, in person as a true man. This also requires public acceptance of his thoughts and words. THANK YOU Mr. Scanlan.

I believe that Wyckoff is a Township of very good people. We have differences, yes, however I do think that our residents do have a love for our Town. I would love to see that feeling extend to attendance at meetings where our elected officials work very hard to make Wyckoff a better place.

Allow me some time for some examples from this past meeting.

A gentlemen, who grew up in Wyckoff, and I apologize for not making a note of his name, has requested permission to use Zabriskie Pond for a model boat regatta. A great idea. At first the Committee had to say "no". There is a legal difficulty, which the Mayor explained and read the conditions of use of the property. HOWEVER, the Committee, has shown their good thinking with Mr. Rooney leading the way to find an alternative method that "they" can convert that "no" into a possible "yes". After a bit of discussion The Mayor, Mr. Rooney, Mr. Boonstra all offered a possible path to make this regatta possible.

Personally I understand the "bind" the Township is in with the deed restrictions, however I am going to hope a way can be found for this to regatta to happen. It is a great idea for a fledgling model boat club. It is good for the Town since it will expose the residents to activities that they might also enjoy. It also shows that this Committee is willing to assist someone or some group rather than remaining fixed on one thought. I do know that if this comes to pass I will attend this event.

Next up to consider is this - a young lady who is working on her Girl Scout achievements brought before the Committee an idea to allow her and her Girl Scout Troop to place hand made pin wheels on the front lawn of the Town Hall on Peace Day. The pin wheels are all hand made and this young lady and her friends have been involved in helping many others to make them. Well once again our Committee received this in a kind manner and offered assistance in the project. Although this must go into some consideration, the Committee offered their assistance in this young lady's project. Again I am hoping that this request shall be granted. It is a well thought out and presented "plan" and one day of pin wheels, turning on our front lawn would be a great thing to see. It was also great to see Mr. Christie ask to see a sample pin wheel and acknowledge the entire project, offering his assistance in opening doors for further activities in creating pin wheels by other young people in other venues.

During Mr. Scanlan's report on his sub committee meetings it was brought up that allowing dog walking in certain areas of the Town has been a success. He offered that the Committee should now consider opeing other areas for dog walking, such as certain areas of the Memorial Field Complex. This was well received by the Committee with Mr. Rooney giving his full-throated support in seeking other areas for all the dog walkers of Wyckoff. ( Sort of sounds like a new Club should be formed, LOL ).

So what does all of this tell us ?

It shows that the Township of Wyckoff is not a strict regimented Town with an unbendable Committee. It tells us that our elected Committeemen are thoughtful, considerate and civil men who are willing to go out of their way, to assist as best they can, to achieve a positive result. These are men who take their positions seriously and yet as men of faith who act upon the best possible outcome. Their  considered deliberations are not without the possibility of change. These are men who serve this Town in the best possible way !

Some may speak with derision of the Committee. I have never found anything done by this Committee to warrant such thoughts and thinking. Yes, there are times they must say "no". That "no" does not come from any malice or knee jerk response, but with considered thought. If we don't like a decision I think we must look to ourselves first, before we become frustrated or even angry with a decision. The Committee acts in what they truly believe are the best interests of the Town.

If YOU all want to see this in action, attend a meeting. You will become "hooked", as I have. This is a Committee deserving of our support. That support can be shown by attending a meeting and not let these fine men sit alone, but have the public meetings well attended. You will be surprised with what you will find.

At anytime you can find the agenda and all possible ordinances posted in the Town Hall before a meeting. You can become involved in the LIFE of the Township by showing your support for these men who spend countless hours for YOUR benefit, not theirs.

In full disclosure I have gotten to know some of the Committee better and it has done nothing but benefit myself. In doing so you come to understand the depth of commitment this Committee has to its tasks. Many, many long hours are spent by each Committeeman in support of YOU the people. You will also learn that these are men of honor, men of faith, and men of civility. All of which are sorely needed in the age of text messaging.