BALWIERCZAK BACK CANVASSING DOOR-TO-DOOR, RESIDENTS IN SHOCK OVER RIDGE ROAD DOUBLE MURDER.
CANDIDATE COMMITTED TO KEEPING NA SMALL, SAFE & SUBURBAN.
NORTH ARLINGTON – John Balwierczak, the Democratic nominee facing incumbent Mayor Dan Pronti (R) was back at it Sunday afternoon canvassing several neighborhoods in his quest to upset the two-term Republican. 
No mayor other than the late Leonard R. Kaiser has ever served more than two consecutive terms. Kaiser, who was elected in 1982, was North Arlington’s chief executive until January of 2003, having been reelected in 1986, 1990, 1994 and 1998. Kaiser was defeated for reelection in 2002 by former Mayor Russ Pitman (D).
Balwierczak suspended his campaign temporarily after the untimely and unexpected passing of his mother last month, just 65, the late Marie Balwierczak.
“It has been a devastating time for myself, my sister, my nephew and brother-in-law. We lost my Dad in 2024 and now Mom’s passing was very unexpected. Having to deal with a multitude of personal issues and challenges since her passing, I felt the time was right to get back in the street, especially after these savage murders on Ridge Road last week,” said the candidate.
Balwierczak is running with council candidates Dennis Paplie and Cengiz “Jim” Sever who are challenging Republican incumbents Mario Karcic and Donna Bocchino. The current council is monopolized by all Republicans as there are no Democrats currently on the governing body despite the fact there are more registered Democrats than Republicans in North Arlington.
The issue of the murders is certainly on the minds of voters and residents who spoke with the candidate.
“People are extremely concerned. These vicious murderss coupled with the Belleville Pike federal raid that was drug-related have people upset and rightly so. I want to applaud the efforts of the Bergen County Prosecutor as well as our Chief to find the killers and bring justice and closure for the community.”
Balwierczak offered a “back to basics” assessment moving forward regarding a more aggressive police presence along Ridge Road. 
“Should I be elected, I will ask Chief Horton for a list of alternative methods of deployment on Ridge Road as well as a cooperative strategy with those businesses that have large numbers of patrons like we witnessed during the FIFA World Cup. People need to feel safe and that comfort level has been severely shaken by these slayings,” noted Balwierczak..
“I received dozens of calls from residents, and the consensus seems to be officers on foot, at least in high traffic areas like Ridge Road, and particularly on weekends could be something to seriously consider.”
Balwierczak was encouraged by the door-to-door reception and said he will be unveiling a more comprehensive response to the shootings at the appropriate time.
“Right now, I fully support the current efforts to find the killers. That’s the priority and objective.”
“This is an active investigation for the killers, and I urge all residents that might know anything to contact the NAPD at (201) 991-4400. Maintaining confidence that this incident was indeed isolated and out of character for the community is vital. I’ll have more to say as the investigation further develops, and I have all the confidence personally in Chief Horton that the killers will be apprehended and brought to justice. Please keep the victims in your thoughts and prayers, as they need and require the community’s love and support.”