Hoboken City Councilman Michael Russo Endorses John Balwierczak for North Arlington Mayor!
Russo backs Balwierczak’s call for greater accountability on redevelopment, property taxes, and preserving North Arlington’s community character.
NORTH ARLINGTON, NJ — October 25, 2026 — Hoboken City Councilman Michael Russo has endorsed John Balwierczak, the Democratic candidate for Mayor of North Arlington, adding the support of one of Hoboken’s longest-serving elected officials to Balwierczak’s resume.
Russo, a member of the Hoboken City Council since 2003, brings more than two decades of municipal government experience to his endorsement. His support comes as North Arlington voters consider the borough’s massive redevelopment schemes, high property taxes, lost neighborhood character, and the future direction of local government under MAGA Republican Mayor Dan Pronti.
Balwierczak has made redevelopment and affordability central issues in his campaign, arguing that North Arlington must carefully evaluate the cumulative impact of new construction, protect established businesses, and ensure that residents have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their neighborhoods and household budgets.
Under Pronti, hundreds of newly constructed apartment units now populate Ridge Road, as the borough’s business district has been decimated by these misguided policies.
“North Arlington deserves a thoughtful, transparent discussion about where our community is headed,” is the central message of Balwierczak’s campaign. He has called for greater scrutiny of redevelopment decisions and municipal spending as residents contend with concerns about property taxes and the changing character of the borough.
Redevelopment and Property Taxes at the Center of the Debate.
Balwierczak, 37, argues that the pace and scale of development have raised legitimate questions about the long-term consequences for residents.
He has criticized the replacement of portions of the Ridge Road business district with apartment construction and called for a closer examination of how redevelopment affects local commerce, infrastructure, traffic, and the borough’s overall suburban character.
“I want North Arlington to remain as the gateway to Bergen County. To be small, safe, suburban, and most of all, affordable for our longtime residents, especially seniors,” stated the candidate.
Property taxes are another major concern for the campaign.
Balwierczak is challenging the current administration to examine municipal expenditures, identify potential savings, and explain how local fiscal decisions affect homeowners and seniors living on fixed incomes.
Balwierczak believes shared services with neighboring municipalities and a 5% across the board budget cut can curb sending and provide real tax relief for homeowners. Balwierczak opposes the rolling reassessment practices of Pronti and the Republicans, describing them as inefficient, unequitable, and unfair to taxpayers.”
The candidate has also called for greater transparency and public engagement in redevelopment and budget decisions, arguing that residents should have a stronger voice in determining the community’s future.
Currently, only Republicans serve on the Mayor & Council. No Democrat has served since 2019.
“We need a healthy mix of Democrats to ensure nonpartisan political consensus that will control taxes and spending,” offered the candidate.
“North Arlington’s future should be shaped by the people who live here,” is the principle underpinning Balwierczak’s campaign. His stated priorities include maintaining the borough’s neighborhood character, supporting local businesses, scrutinizing spending, and pursuing a more sustainable approach to development and affordability.
John Balwierczak: A Lifelong North Arlington Resident.
John Balwierczak, 37, is a lifelong North Arlington resident, homeowner, and graduate of North Arlington High School. He has also worked as a contract landscaper and has developed a strong interest in local government and the decisions that affect residents, homeowners, workers, and small businesses. Balwierczak has been endorsed by the Bergen County Central Trades
Originally a Republican, Balwierczak later became a Democrat, citing disagreements with the Pronti administration’s approach to redevelopment. His campaign emphasizes affordability, accountability, public participation, and preserving North Arlington’s identity as a small suburban community.
Balwierczak is seeking to bring a different perspective to Borough Hall, with an emphasis on examining existing policies and giving residents a greater role in local decision-making.
Michael Russo: More Than Two Decades of Municipal Service.
Dr. Michael Russo has represented Hoboken’s Third Ward on the City Council since 2003, making him the longest-serving council member in the city’s history. A lifelong Hoboken resident and Hoboken High School graduate, Russo earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Richard Stockton University, a master’s degree in physical therapy from Rutgers University, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Utica College.
Before his election to the City Council, Russo served on Hoboken’s Zoning Board of Adjustment.
During his municipal career, he has served as Council President and Vice President and has been involved in issues including tenant protections, transportation safety, and upgrading parks and recreational facilities.
A physical therapist by profession, Russo has also volunteered in youth sports and scouting and supported nonprofit initiatives addressing access to cancer screenings.
His long tenure in municipal government provides substantial experience with the practical challenges facing NJ communities, including balancing development pressures, housing needs, neighborhood concerns, and public services.
A Conversation About North Arlington’s Future:
Russo’s endorsement adds a voice with extensive local government experience to the discussion surrounding North Arlington’s mayoral race. For Balwierczak, the campaign is an opportunity to put redevelopment, property taxes, municipal spending, and public accountability at the forefront of the local debate.
MEET THE NEXT MAYOR! 
Call his cell at (201) 655-8497 or via e-mail at [email protected]
Balwierczak for Mayor – Dennis Papile & Cengiz “Jim” Sever for Borough Council.
Need a sign? Call John today!