TUESDAY IS ELECTION DAY. DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!
Restore responsible two-party government. Keep North Arlington small, safe & suburban!
Elect John Balwierczak & Cengiz “Jim” Sever for Borough Council.
Here are some of the reasons voters are supporting Balwierczak & Sever for Borough Council:
Key issues and campaign themes
Opposition to rolling property tax reassessments
The challengers highlight the system of “rolling tax assessments” as unfair and unpredictable, particularly for longtime homeowners and seniors.
Their platform states they aim for a “more reasonable and traditional assessment process” rather than repeated reassessments that raise taxes for some properties more than others.
They endorse stopping these reassessments “the talk of the town and the #1 issue” in the race.
Preserving the borough’s suburban character and controlling development
Balwierczak & Sever emphasize a goal of keeping North Arlington “small, safe and suburban.”
They oppose what they describe as “massive overdevelopment” along Ridge Road and back a moratorium on new construction in that corridor.
They also propose enhancements such as a walking/bike path along the Passaic Riverfront, establishing a seasonal farmers’ market, and improving amenities for youth and seniors.
Desire for more transparent, balanced local government
They campaign on the idea of breaking a long-standing, one-party monopoly (Republicans hold all seats in the council) and bringing in “responsible two-party government.”
They highlight endorsements from labor organizations and local leaders to bolster their credibility: e.g., the Bergen County Central Trades Council, AFL‑CIO endorsed them for “bringing responsible two-party government back” and standing with working families, homeowners and tenants.
They also are endorsed by former local mayor Ed Martone, who pointed to “ten years of uninterrupted Republican control with little in real results.”
Grassroots campaign involvement and local roots
Balwierczak is a life-long resident of North Arlington and a graduate of North Arlington High School where he played varsity basketball.
The campaign emphasizes door-to-door canvassing, engaging directly with residents, and listening to concerns rather than staying behind the scenes.
Why voters support Balwierczak & Sever:
Homeowners who are frustrated with rising property taxes or unpredictable reassessments find their message compelling.
Residents who are concerned about over-development, traffic, parking, and preserving the borough’s character may see in this ticket a clear alignment with those priorities.
Voters who feel under-represented—especially if they believe the current council is dominated by one party and lacks debate or alternatives—view Balwierczak & Sever as offering choice and change.
Union-affiliated or working-class residents may appreciate the endorsement by the trades council and the candidates’ ties to labor support.
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