Rubenstein Becomes Second Woman Elected Mayor Of Wyckoff

WYCKOFF, NJ — For the second time in the township's history, Wyckoff will have a woman serving as mayor.

During a New Year's Day reorganization meeting, Melissa Rubenstein, who was elected to the township committee in November, was elected as mayor by her fellow committee members.

She will replace Timothy Shanley, who remains on the committee.

Rubenstein, who was "humbled and honored" to be selected mayor, now joins Nancy Drabik as the only women to have held the role, and the first since Drabik was elected in 1990.

"Serving Wyckoff has been one of the greatest challenges and joys of my life, and I am looking forward to dedicating myself to our residents as mayor over the next 12 months," she said.

Rubenstein addressed 2020, and the coronavirus pandemic, calling it "devastating" for many residents.

She addressed her goals for 2020, which included betterment projects at Memorial Field, increasing hybrid vehicle usage by the police department, pedestrian safety measures around schools and busy intersections.

She also hinted at a 2020 time capsule project, which was billed as a "unique way for Wyckoff to memorialize this unforgettable year."

Rubenstein, 41, is a New York Attorney, as well as a New York and New Jersey Realtor. She is a graduate of Tufts University, and attended law school at Fordham University.

For more on Rubenstein, read our Patch candidate profile.