DEMOCRATS MAP OUT A NEW AGENDA FOR A BETTER NA!
BALWEIRCZAK, SEVER COMMIT TO YOUTH RECREATIONAL CENTER, CLEANUP AND RENOVATION OF PASSAIC WATERFRONT, END THE ROLLING TAX ASSESSMENTS THAT ARE SQUEEZING SENIORS.
NORTH ARLINGTON – Claiming the all-Republican Mayor & Council is “obsessed with apartments anywhere and everywhere, Democratic challengers John Balwierczak and Cengiz “Jim” Sever have laid out a plan to “fix what is broken, while keeping an eye on the future with smart growth that retains our values as a small, safe and suburban community.”
“Demolishing structures and stuffing as many apartment units along Ridge Road is neither a plan or responsible. It is causing gentrification and urbanization, increased traffic and congestion and squeezing essential services. We believe responsible growth lies below Schuyler Avenue with formidable and logical strategies that brought Federal Express to Porete Avenue. Had the Republicans, especially Kirk Del Russo had his way, there would be some 1,700 units of apartment dwellings known as EnCap in our Meadowlands parcels. The Republicans like to forget that if they had their way, Federal Express never would have occurred,” offered the two Democratic challengers seeking to break up the all-Republican majority. 
“Once again, we saw this week as the Planning Board rubber stamped an additional 15 units without compromise or exception to a GOP donor that owns the property where we saw local Republicans house a dilapidated clubhouse for years. We are criticized by an entrenched Mayor who is insulted when we request public documents and information that the public needs to know. Maybe this year his puppets can speak for themselves,” blasted Balwierczak, a longtime resident who played varsity basketball at North Arlington High School.
“I’m 100% NA. Our Mayor is a Bayonne political transplant.”
Both Balwierczak and Sever believe a moratorium of apartment construction along Ridge Road is necessary to end the gridlock and that the emphasis of local government should be with policies and initiatives that improve our quality-of-life for residents of all ages.
The Democrats rolled out the following goals and objectives for public scrutiny and review:
– The construction of a youth center that will be a permanent place for kids between the ages of 7 to 17. Such a facility could be constructed behind Borough Hall or potentially part of another public parcel or park.
“We want a discussion and civic engagement as to the final location and purpose,” offered the candidates. 
– A 10-year plan to renovate the banks of Passaic River with a walking and bike path from the Arlington Diner to Riverside Park.
“This was proposed by Democrats in 2018, but the Republicans lack any legislative or political support in Hackensack or Trenton to get anything done. A Bergen County Commissioner resided in this community for decades. Had new ballfields and other facilities constructed at Riverside Park. Where was the foresight to leverage that influence? Dan Pronti and his hapless council followers are nothing but isolated in a political bubble because they refuse to work with Democrats. They spend their time getting involved in political clashes in Kearny or buddying up to urban centers like Belleville where that mayor is on the NA payroll. We will fight for a real plan to make the renovation and cleanup of the Passaic our #1 long-range priority,” noted both candidates. 
– The end of rolling property assessments that are squeezing seniors and longtime residents.
“The facts are obvious, rolling assessments are raising property taxes as they did last year. Rolling assessments discourage homeowners from renovating a deck or adding an extension. They refrain from gutting a kitchen or bathroom. House after house last year we heard the same thing and this year’s response to these rolling assessments was even louder than ever before. Remember, as long as Pronti has four Republican votes he controls, rolling assessments will continue. We need Democrats on the council so that all of North Arlington has a voice on what we describe as an 80-20 issue with homeowners,” offered Severs, a twenty-year homeowner, husband and father of three. 
– Democrats support a permanent bike path on Ridge Road, the end of metered parking and a farmer’s market from April to October.
“We need to decrease traffic and make Ridge Road more accessible in wake of the massive overdevelopment by our opponents. Metered parking is killing what is left of our business district and we need enforced two-hour parking instead. A Farmer’s Market managed by the right firm can yield sizable revenues in the spring and summer months and bring real community engagement of all ages. The time to stop building apartments and being a blank check to massive overdevelopment needs to cease before it’s too late. Our kids and our seniors need a voice and a better and improved partnership with our public and private schools that fosters a better North Arlington,” said both Balwierczak and Sever.
No more raises for part-time elected officials.
“Local Republicans like Pronti and Del Russo are awarding themselves raises every year for the last five years and the voter has nothing to say. In Bergen County, members of the Board of Commissioners, which serves as the legislative and oversight body for the county, were paid $28,312 annually as of 2018, with the Chairman earning $29,312. They represent 70 municipalities and 1 million residents. North Arlington council members earn roughly $13,000 annually for attending one (1) meeting per month and represent 17,000 people. The disparity is ridiculous,” said both Balwierczak and Sever.
The Democrats also announced they will be hosting their first fundraiser of the campaign on Wednesday, May 28th at the Arlington Diner located at River Road and the Belleville Turnpike. For tickets, contact Democratic Chair Nick Antonicello at (201) 937-4277 or via e-mail at [email protected]
Tickets can be purchased at the door and all supportive residents are encouraged to attend.