Building the Best Byram For Everyone.
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Leadership. Experience. Teamwork. Results.

If you have a question, please email me at rbonker@ptd.net.

You can also follow me on my campaign's Facebook page.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1.  Why are you running for Council again?
Over the past 4 years the Council has made significant progress in building the best Byram for everyone, but there is still more to do.  As an "empty-nester" I have the time required to serve my hometown as a Council Member. The voters deserve a choice and I am willing to offer my services.  I also believe in servant leadership, and this is an opportunity to provide it.  In the Parable of the Faithful Servant, Jesus tells his followers "to whom much is given, much is expected."  Byram helped to give me a great start in life, I want to help give back.

2.  What do you think about the municipal building referendum?
I believe it is in the best long-term interests of Byram for the citizens to approve the building referendum. The current building was built 50 years ago by putting a roof over a bunch of construction trailers bought for $1. It is way past time to modernize the building with ADA access, updated technologies and lower operating costs. Making piecemeal repairs to the building will ultimately cost taxpayers even more, and would be the equivalent of putting very expensive lipstick on an old, ugly pig.
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3.  Why should I trust you to look out for the taxpayer?
Because I have done it in the past, and because it is in my own family's economic interests. My family owns five homes in Byram, and we plan to hold them for a very long time. Paying 5 tax bills every quarter will definitely keep your attention on tax rates. Let me provide an example. For every Byram tax dollar we spent on the Open Space Committee, we managed to attract nine dollars from other sources. 
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4.  Didn't your daughter write a book about autism?
Yes, my daughter Elizabeth and my wife Virginia wrote I Am In Here: The Journey of a Child with Autism Who Cannot Speak but Finds Her Voice.  The book has sold over 30,000 copies, and they are currently working on the sequel. If you want a hardcover copy, I would be happy to provide it. My son and my daughter were both diagnosed with autism on the same day. Both of them are now college graduates, and my daughter gave a viral valedictorian speech despite her inability to speak. Take a look on Youtube here. Miracles happen.

My three children: Elizabeth (left), Gale (middle), and Charles (right)