During a recent council meeting, resident Boyd Loving raised concerns about the ongoing debate surrounding tree planting in Ridgewood. He expressed frustration over homeowners rejecting the planting of trees on village property, warning that such refusals could lead to a significant reduction in the community's tree canopy. Loving questioned the rationale behind allowing residents to deny tree plantings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the village's green spaces.

In addition to the tree issue, Loving addressed the recent election process, noting long wait times at polling places and the need for the Bergen County Board of Elections to evaluate voting equipment and staffing ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election. He suggested that additional voting machines and poll workers might be necessary to accommodate high turnout, as seen in the recent election.

Loving also criticized the chaotic handling of paper ballots during the election, describing the scene as disorganized and alarming. He highlighted the need for improved procedures to ensure the integrity of the voting process.

Lastly, he pointed out the low number of candidates running for local office, attributing this to the high costs of campaigning and the influence of outside funding. Loving argued that the financial barriers and reliance on endorsements from state officials could deter local residents from seeking office, ultimately impacting community representation.

The discussions from the meeting reflect ongoing concerns about community engagement, environmental stewardship, and the electoral process in Ridgewood.