QUEEN OF PEACE, NA BOARD OF EDUCATION BACK TO THE BARGAINING TABLE!
BOTH PARTIES AGREE TO MEET IN SEPTEMBER OVER AN ALTERNATIVE LEASE PROPOSAL, TALK OF EMINENT DOMAIN SEIZURE OFF THE TABLE.
DEMOCRATS BALWIERCZAK & SEVER PRAISE BOTH PARTIES FOR SEEKING CONSENSUS AND A “WIN-WIN” AGREEMENT!
NORTH ARLINGTON – After weeks of non-negotiation and an intent by school board officials to seek eminent domain seizure of the QP La Salle residence on Ridge Road, a letter to parishioners announced new negotiations with the North Arlington Board of Education commencing in September that would avoid and avert the need for eminent domain seizure by offering a long term lease arrangement with the school district.
The letter here drastically changes the tone and tenor of the negotiations, as a lease is a preferred course of action for both Queen of Peace and school officials. 
Local Republicans led by Mayor Dan Pronti have declared war on the school district by running two members of the Pronti Administration against school trustees Scott Hughes and Michele Higgins, long considered independent of the borough’s partisan politics. 
When a meeting on this very topic was held in May, neither incumbent council members Kirk Del Russo or Amanda DeCicco attended, and refused to take a public stand only saying they had nothing to do with it.
In contrast, Democratic council candidates John Balwierczak and Cengiz “Jim” Sever called upon both parties to remain in negotiations and dispel any thought or action of eminent domain seizure.
“The Democrats here in North Arlington have historically opposed the notion of eminent domain seizure dating to days of the EnCap housing scheme that Republicans like Kirk Del Russo enthusiastically supported. We praise school officials as well as the Queen of Peace community in avoiding such a confrontational and adversarial legal process where the only winners are the lawyers. Father Di Stefano’s letter is welcomed news that building consensus through negotiation makes North Arlington a stronger community,” offered the Democrats who are challenging Del Russo and DeCicco this fall. 
“The Board of Education cannot become a partisan tool of the Republicans. The entire GOP has declared war on the school district for strictly political purposes. Dan Pronti wants to control every aspect of local government and consolidate all power in his hands. The voters of North Arlington have a clear and concise choice, hand the entire community to a part-time mayor and real estate agent or let the educational professionals manage our students and children. The choice is obvious,” offered Balwierczak, a lifelong resident and graduate of NAHS. 
“We’re confident this can be worked out. This is the best course of action for all concerned. The alternative would create an animosity that would tear into the fabric of North Arlington, and nobody wants that,” observed Sever, a father of three, husband and homeowner.
“Father Anthony and the Board of Education are to be congratulated. Consensus is always the best option when formulating responsible public policy,” offered the Democrats.
