THE “FREE” WATER FOUNTAIN THAT COST NO. ARLINGTON TAXPAYERS $238,800!
Former Mayor Peter Massa questions process, “not a private transaction.”
NORTH ARLINGTON – How do you know something isn’t for free?
When you get stuck with a bill for $238,800 to install the alleged free item!
Retired North Arlington Mayor Peter C. Massa, one of the most experienced and qualified individuals to serve as chief executive, is now weighing-in on the alleged free water fountain currently being installed at Daniel Morris Park next to the fire station. 
Massa, an adjunct professor of Criminal Justice for decades has served in multiple law enforcement capacities with the Waterfront Commission of New York & New Jersey and as a retired officer with the North Arlington Police Department was elected to the Board of Education in 1990 and re-elected in1993, serving as both vice-president and president, was elected to the Borough Council in 2004 and elected Mayor in 2006, was reelected in 2010. A graduate of Rutgers University with a master’s in public administration, Massa was a finalist for the position of Borough Administrator when first created in 1980. Massa continues to serve in a public capacity as a commissioner with the Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA).
Massa recently weighed in online regarding the so-called “free” water fountain, which actually isn’t free unless you happen to be Dan Pronti, NA’s current mayor.
Here is a copy of the resolution authorizing the installation and here is Pronti on video tape proclaiming the water fountain free, without naming who purchased or donated the item. 
Massa, a former NAPD sergeant gave his take on the transaction:
“The municipality must document any gift by resolution and identify the donor. The value of the gift (fountain) must be established, and fair market value must be shown. The reason for receiving the donation must also be explained in the resolution. This is a public process, not a private transaction,” explained the former mayor.
Apparently, Pronti has not followed the procedures outlined by Massa.
Candidate John Balwierczak, a Democrat who has been endorsed by Massa along with his running-mate Cengiz “Jim” Sever for Borough Council, is seen here explaining the process at a recent fundraiser for the candidates at the Arlington Diner.
“Dan Pronti plays loose and fast with the truth. The water fountain is not free and who are these mystery developers who purchased an item no one requested? Stop pretending to be a big shot. Nothing is for free Dan. You handed taxpayers a bill for nearly $240,000,” offered Balwierczak.
The Democrats described the “free” fountain as a phony, a fake and a fraud.
“Tell residents the truth. The truth is that random reassessments raise property taxes. That excessive litigation and legal fees are strangling borough finances. That giving yourself a raise every year is arrogant and silly. That refusing to reveal the circumstances around a $200,000 out of court settlement is an insult to every resident. That massive overdevelopment of Ridge Road is robbing North Arlington’s community character of being small, safe and suburban. North Arlington doesn’t want to become Bayonne or Belleville,” offered the candidates. 
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