What’s at Stake North Arlington?
10 reasons why John Balwierczak will be our next Mayor!
NORTH ARLINGTON, NJ – The race for North Arlington mayor is so much more than who will occupy Borough Hall for the next four years.
It is about property taxes, massive overdevelopment, municipal spending, public safety and crime, and whether residents believe local government under MAGA Mayor Dan Pronti is working in their interests.
For challenger John Balwierczak, the central question is how he would translate calls for change into a practical governing agenda.
Here are 10 issues that can frame his case for a new administration, with a focus on the questions residents should expect Pronti to answer and stop avoiding.
Ten reasons why John Balwierczak says North Arlington needs a new direction.
1. Make property-tax affordability the priority
Homeowners and seniors need predictable tax bills. Balwierczak proposes scrutinizing municipal spending, pursuing shared services and making a 5% across-the-board budget cut a target. Balwierczak has identified specific savings without reducing essential services.
2. End massive overdevelopment of Ridge Road.
Balwierczak opposes the proliferation of large apartment developments along Ridge Road. He argues that new projects must be evaluated for their effects on neighborhood character, traffic, parking, schools and infrastructure not simply their construction potential. Projects like OPUS are urbanizing North Arlington, and Pronti’s obsession with apartment construction has destroyed our Ridge Road business district! 
3. Revitalize Ridge Road’s business district
Vacant storefronts and redevelopment are central campaign concerns. Balwierczak wants to prioritize local businesses and reinvestment. Residents deserve a concrete plan for filling empty commercial spaces, attracting customers, and maintaining adequate parking. Under Pronti, we have lost long-term retail establishments such as MELRAYS, Mr. Pasta, the Italian Villa and many more! Pronti’s policies are against hurting small businesses along Ridge Road. 
4. End Republican Rolling Property Reassessments that are raising taxes on working families, especially seniors!
Balwierczak wants to end “piecemeal reassessments” in favor of a more predictable system. His argument is that homeowners should have greater certainty about their assessments. Any change will still comply with New Jersey assessment law and preserve fair treatment among property owners. Balwierczak believes installing a 5-to-7-year reassessment window that is fair and equitable to all property owners.
5. Strengthen Public Safety now. End the fear created by the Ridge Road Homicides & Belleville Pike Drug Raid!
Following the Ridge Road shootings resulting in a double homicide, Balwierczak has called for reviewing police deployment, particularly on weekends, and considering drone technology. Balwierczak wants to improve prevention, response times, and neighborhood safety with measured results. Murders and drug raids have no place in North Arlington, and Balwierczak will ensure the confidence that North Arlington is indeed small, safe and suburban, and the true gateway to Bergen County.
6. Demand greater fiscal accountability for NA taxpayers.
The municipal budget rose from approximately $24.4 million in 2019 to $31.9 million in 2026, according to borough budget figures. That is a roughly 30.8% increase in nominal spending. Borough officials point to rising insurance and other costs and the use of reserves to limit the 2026 tax increase. Balwierczak wants a closer examination of expenditures and contracts. Pronti has spent nearly $10M of surplus funding to subsidize his growing expenditures in the last two budget cycles!
7. Protect Seniors from poor planning and high property taxes.
Balwierczak has questioned whether the proposed senior and veterans housing project has sufficiently clear cost, location and flood-risk details. The current location is just forty units in a flood zone. The Pronti plan does not disclose the cost, or the impact on parking and doesn’t reveal who will select who will live here. Will current NA Residents be selected? Who will own the property? The issue is ensuring that the project delivers actual benefits with transparent costs and appropriate environmental safeguards.
8. Redevelop the Passic Riverfront, with improved “Quality of Life” Amenities
His proposals include a riverside bicycle and running path, a dog park, and a seasonal farmers market. These ideas could add recreational options and support local commerce, as Balwierczak will partner with county and state government to identify funding resources and make the Passaic River restoration a top priority for responsible redevelopment. 
9. Restore a more competitive political environment that includes a bipartisan consensus of Republicans and Democrats on the Mayor & Council.
No Democrat has served on the governing body since 2019, according to official election results. Balwierczak argues that a stronger two-party presence would increase scrutiny of budgets, contracts, and redevelopment decisions. Voters can judge if real discussion, and debate is necessary for productive consensus and better public policy decisions. Currently we have a one-party monopoly and no discussion as Republicans routinely vote thousands of times in the affirmative for whatever Pronti expects and demands! It’s a dictatorship with Pronti in charge!
10. Put NA Residents and long-term Community Values First!
Balwierczak 37, is a lifelong North Arlington resident and homeowner. A 2007 graduate of North Arlington High School, John played varsity basketball for the Vikings. Balwierczak has proposed cutting the mayor’s salary by half and directing the remainder toward scholarships for graduating seniors. He also advocates closer cooperation with the school district and more resident input in municipal decisions like hosting Town Halls. Balwierczak believes the school board should be non-partisan and not politicized, unlike Pronti who is running a Republican backed ticket to defeat two highly qualified, and independent incumbents, Edward Smith and Robert Dorsett.
The November 3, 2026, election presents voters with competing principles, stances, and visions.
Pronti’s failed administration points to massive overdevelopment, failed parking initiatives and higher property taxes. High crime activity that includes drug raids and murders, Balwierczak emphasizes affordability, closer scrutiny of redevelopment, real spending accountability, and a different approach to governing that includes responsible two-party government.
MEET THE NEXT MAYOR:
Call Balwierczak on his cell phone at (201) 655-8497 or via e-mail at [email protected]
Keep North Arlington small, safe, suburban, and affordable!
Vote the Balwierczak Team: Dennis Papile & Jim Sever for Borough Council!