THE $238,800 WATER FOUNTAIN THAT DEL RUSSO, DECICCO & PRONTI CLAIM IS “FREE”
PRONTI CLAIMS VALUE OF FOUNTAIN IS $200,000, WON’T REVEAL “MYSTERY,” DEVELOPER DONOR!
IS THE “DONATION” IN VIOLATION OF STATE GUIDELINES?
NORTH ARLINGTON – If someone gave you a “free” suit, but the alterations were $500, would you consider that to be a good deal?
Here in North Arlington, an alleged, “free” water fountain was installed for $238,800 along River Road next to the Daniel Morris Memorial Firehouse.
The work seems complete as it is still being touted as free.
Here is the resolution for the $238,800. 
It is indisputable.
It is undeniable.
Mayor Dan Pronti continues to claim the water fountain’s value is $200,000 but won’t disclose who paid for it.
That means the installation cost more than the fountain itself, to say nothing of the maintenance costs moving forward.
What we do know is that an apparent redeveloper made the donation.
That information was revealed by Pronti at a recent council meeting.
Under the New Jersey statute governing municipal donations, N.J. Stat. § 40:12‑29 (Municipal Donations, etc.):
“Any county or municipality … may solicit and accept donations … of real property, funds, personal property, in-kind items or services by private persons to the soliciting governmental entity or agency.”
Importantly: “Any solicitation for a donation of $7,500 or more in value shall be made a matter of public record by the county or municipality … by adoption of a resolution or ordinance authorizing the solicitation.”
Also, the municipality must provide access to governmental records under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) — meaning agency records (resolutions, contracts, agreements) are generally available to the public. The borough’s OPRA request form shows that North Arlington acknowledges that government records “must be disclosed unless specifically exempt.”
A records request was made and denied by council candidate John Balwierczak.
For local government officers, the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) ethics guidance notes that gifts, honoraria and other things of value may trigger disclosure obligations under local codes.
Why doesn’t Pronti reveal the source of the donor?
Why does Pronti continue to describe the donation as “free” when costing $238,800 to install?
Transparency and accountability will only occur when you have both Democrats and Republicans on the Borough Council.
On Tuesday, November 4th elect John Balwierczak and Cengiz “Jim” Sever for Borough Council.
Need a ride to the polls?
Have a question for the candidates?
Call (201) 655-8497