Politics & Government
Former Wyckoff Mayor, Cooking Champ Kevin Rooney Sworn Into State Assembly Seat
Rooney will serve out the remainder of Scott Rumana's term representing the 40th Legislative District.
WYCKOFF, N.J. — Kevin Rooney, the former township mayor, was sworn in Monday as an assemblyman in the state Legislature.
Rooney was appointed to fill the 40th-District seat Scott Rumana vacated when Governor Christie appointed Rumana to a Superior Court judgeship in October.
Rooney, 56, will represent the district for the remainder of Rumana's term, which ends in December 2017. The district includes parts of Bergen, Passaic, Morris, and Essex counties. He said he plans on running for a full term.
Find out what's happening in Wyckofffor free with the latest updates from Patch.
RELATED: Wyckoff Mayor Kevin Rooney Picked To Fill 40th Legislative District Seat
“As a former mayor, I fully understand the many challenges our towns face in keeping taxes and costs down while delivering quality services,” Rooney said in a statement. “I bring that experience and energy to Trenton where I will work to find common ground to deliver the results our residents want and deserve.”
Find out what's happening in Wyckofffor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Rooney was first elected to the Wyckoff Township Committee in 2009 and was appointed mayor three times, in 2011, 2015, and 2016, by his fellow committeemen. He resigned as mayor last week.
Rooney grew up in Saddle River and attended Ramapo College of New Jersey.
Rooney is a self-taught cook. He won the Food Network's "Chopped: Untrained, Undaunted" competition in 2013.
In addition to politics, Rooney is a partner in his mother-in-law’s business, HMS Global Holdings LLC, a real estate development and management company. Rooney and his wife, Hayley own Holland Hills Farm, LLC, an equestrian center.
The Republican county committee voted 104-96 to appoint Rooney over Mike Marotta of Wayne, NorthJersey.com reported.
Rooney was mentioned as a possible candidate to succeed 40th District Sen. Kevin O’Toole in January, the same month O’Toole announced he would not run for reelection when his term ends in January 2018.
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Pictured: Wyckoff Mayor Kevin Rooney, right — Patch file photo
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