BACK IN THE STREETS, LISTENING TO NORTH ARLINGTON VOTERS!
Challengers Balwierczak & Yampaglia take advantage of the break in the weather and continue their door-to-door efforts.
NORTH ARLINGTON – Borough council candidates John Balwierczak and John Yampaglia took advantage of the good weather this weekend and continued their door-to-door efforts to gather signatures and engage NA voters in this effort to bring responsible two-party government back to the community. While most residents were preparing to watch the Super Bowl come Sunday, challenging upstarts Balwierczak and Yampaglia knocked on doors Saturday afternoon as they pushed their signature total to over 300 residents signing on to ensure a clean and competitive challenge to embedded GOP incumbents Brian Fitzhenry and Allison Sheedy. Republicans currently dominate the governing body holding all seven seats including the office of mayor. Democrats have not won a local election since 2016 when Yampaglia’s brother Mark, a local attorney who defeated incumbents Richard Hughes and Mario Karcic along with fellow Democrat Jean Williams.
Local Democrats ran a partial ticket in 2022 and Republicans went unopposed in 2023. But this year will be different as this new local ticket has received the support of virtually every former local Democratic council member including Yampaglia, Patrick Roche, Albert Granell, Thomas Zammatore, Robert Myers and former two-term mayor and councilmember, retired NAPD officer Peter C. Massa. Most residents regardless of their own party registration believe the borough is served best with a healthy mix of Democrats and Republicans. Some residents resent a political monopoly of a single political party as is the case currently in North Arlington.
The Democrats have stated they plan to walk the entire community three times, as they have been walking now for nearly a year to a positive reception by most voters.“By and large people want and demand two-party government. They want reasonable representation that is bold, bipartisan and ready to govern. The reaction at the doors of residents has been very positive as most believe having a single point-of-view is not in the best interests of the taxpayer. Casting hundreds of “yes” votes with no serious debate or even a discussion is not what democracy is all about,” offered the candidates.“We love meeting the voters because they are frank and honest, and demand results. Both of us are listening and learning as we get to understand what North Arlington really wants to talk about. They are concerned about our future. They are not happy about empty storefronts along Ridge Road or the proliferation of multiple dwellings that in many ways are a threat to the premise of North Arlington remaining small, safe and suburban,” offered both Balwierczak and Yampaglia.The recent spike in car break-in’s also has homeowners and tenants alike concerned and worried.
The local Democrats are holding an organizational meeting on Wednesday, February 14th at the Arlington Diner beginning at 7PM. Gifts will be offered for Valentine’s Day to those in attendance and all supportive residents are urged to attend.Light refreshments will be served.March 25th is the deadline to file nominating petitions and NA Democrats have a goal of filing 500 signatures as a demonstration of local political support.“We have momentum on our side. We feel the time is now and ripe for change. We look forward to the notion of keeping North Arlington first,” offered Balwierczak. For more information about the meeting or the campaign, call (201) 655-8497