The ghosts of John V Kenny and Frank Hague are making their way to the Borough of North Arlington as our new Mayor is intent on trying to wipe out local Democrats to extinction.
Despite the fact local Republicans enjoy a 4-2 majority as well as holding the office of Mayor, they now want all seven seats and seem ready to raise any amount necessary to make it happen!
With our new mayor we have witnessed a proliferation of raises and promotions for political supporters and allies along with an unprecedented push to raise as much money as possible to eliminate Councilman Mark Yampaglia from the Governing Body despite his experience, longevity and commitment to the community as a life-long resident, local businessman and his cooperative and bipartisan approach to government.
“The Republicans are not happy with a 4-2 majority. They want every seat because they want to eliminate transparency and hijack the government body with two patronage government employees and another who is compensated by the borough while masquerading as some dedicated volunteer. What are they so afraid of? Two-party government is good for homeowners and taxpayers. It keeps a check and balance that Pronti and Company are trying to eliminate,” offered one NA insider and follower of the local political scene.
Democrats are the largest number of registered voters in North Arlington outside Undeclared registration. A GOP win in the fall would eliminate Democrats from having any say in local government.
“What is more disturbing is that this council is one of the least experienced in memory and now the GOP wants to add Jim Bocchino’s failed ex-running-mate and Encap sympathizer Kirk Del Russo with Bocchino’s daughter who has no government resume to speak of except her employment. The other candidate also has no experience and is now being paid by the borough through a $1500 stipend and her employer is a vendor to North Arlington as the Borough Electrician.”
Now we find out that Bocchino, a retired government employee with the BCUA and former GOP party official is being paid $8000 annually as the borough’s newly created position of “Quality of Life” Officer while also serving as a chief fundraiser for Pronti and his daughter’s campaign as the Second Vice-President of the North Arlington Republican Club.
Some say having a municipal employee in a dual role as party fundraiser sends the wrong message to homeowners and taxpayers.
Others are concerned that those who do business with North Arlington or those with applications before the community are being solicited for campaign donations for the NA GOP.
“Who hired Mr. Bocchino? What was the process and what makes him qualified? Whose decision was it to hire this retired political insider?” offered one Democrat when asked to comment.