Democrats John Balwierczak and Cengiz “Jim” Sever are running an issue-oriented campaign to bring back responsible two-party government to North Arlington residents.
Key Priorities:
Their platform emphasizes preserving North Arlington’s suburban character and addressing local quality-of-life concerns by proposing:
Eliminate rolling tax assessments—a system they blame on Republicans, which increases property taxes unpredictably.
Renovate and restore the Passaic Riverfront, including building a walking and bike path that connects the Arlington Diner to Riverside County Park, in cooperation with Bergen County.
Eliminate metered parking, create bike lanes, and impose an immediate moratorium on any new construction along Ridge Road.
Establish a seasonal farmer’s market (Memorial Day to Halloween) managed professionally expected to generate significant new revenue.
Build a Youth Center for ages 7–17, funded through municipal surplus, along with better services for seniors (e.g., restoring the senior center).
End raises for part-time elected officials who merely attend one meeting per month.
Improve quality education — “Kids First” initiative.
Broader Vision & Governance Reform:
Strive for a responsive, multi‑party government, rather than the current one-party monopoly.
Advocate for inclusive, community-driven policymaking, with more transparency, public input, and accountability.
Their agenda is to “Keep North Arlington small, safe and suburban.”
Oppose the use of eminent domain seizure against the Queen of Peace La Salle residence property, preferring further negotiation over confrontational legal action.
Criticize the current practice of massive overdevelopment, especially along Ridge Road, which they argue increases traffic, reduces parking, and alters the suburban character.
Contrasting with the GOP Incumbents: Del Russo & DeCicco
Kirk Del Russo is a real estate agent and ardent proponent of the controversial Arlington Valley (EnCap) housing scheme—an overdevelopment project that was ultimately unsuccessful but emblematic of the aggressive redevelopment policies the Democrats oppose.
The GOP incumbents are associated with continued support for rolling tax assessments, overdevelopment, and resisting inclusive governance. They have also been criticized for ignoring issues like affordable housing policy and community dialogue.
John Balwierczak and Jim Sever are running on a platform centered on protecting North Arlington’s suburban identity, reducing tax burdens, promoting open, two‑party governance, curbing overdevelopment, improving quality-of-life amenities like walking paths, youth and senior services, and ensuring public oversight. In contrast, their GOP opponents—Del Russo and DeCicco—are viewed as pushing development-heavy policies and maintaining the status quo of one-party rule. In addition, both the incumbents are raising property taxes through the random reassessment of homes that are woefully unfair, not equitable and unpopular with most residents regardless of party registration or affiliation.