NA DEMOCRATS INSPIRED BY ENERGETIC NEW FACE FOR NORTH ARLINGTON IN COUNCIL HOPEFUL FRANK MARFINO!
The North Arlington Democratic Committee met Wednesday evening at the Arlington Diner to discuss the upcoming municipal campaign where the locals are defending two seats and can pick-up a third should incumbent Democrat Mark Yampaglia defeat the daughter of James “Jimmy” Bocchino for the unexpired term currently held by Kirk Del Russo who was appointed to fill the vacancy when Dan Pronti assumed the office of Mayor on January 1st.
Republicans currently hold a 4-2 majority with Pronti presiding as mayor. Should Democrats retain both seats currently held by Yampaglia and retiring Councilwoman Jean Williams and win the unexpired term, the Democrats can increase their presence by one come January 1, 2020 and play a significant role in budget matters next year!
No matter what happens, appointed Councilman Kirk Del Russo (R) will leave the governing body on Election Day and will only return should he be successful in his bid for a full, three-year term with his running-mate, Lynette Cavadas.
Should the GOP sweep the Republicans will control all seven seats of government and own an entire political monopoly on the Mayor and Council.
Local Democrats, who won in 2016 with Yampaglia and Williams, believe they can get back the majority in 2020 if things bode well on Election Day, 2019.
“Local Democrats have not lost a council seat in a presidential year since 2000. Generic Democrats give the locals a clear advantage come 2020. The challenge is winning in 2019,” offered one local political insider when asked to comment.
But the excitement of the evening was the passion and optimism of council candidate Frank Marfino.
A homeowner, parent, husband, NAHS graduate and life-long resident spoke about his concerns for North Arlington and his commitment to making a difference and bringing people together.
“Frank has the right personality and temperament for local politics. He listens and he cares about people,” offered Democratic leader Nick Antonicello who chaired the gathering.
The Democrats discussed the nuts and bolts of the campaign as they prepare for another fundraiser in October and there’s talk of other events and even a headquarters on Ridge Road.
Antonicello has promised the race will be fully funded with financial assistance from the county Democrats as well. Antonicello was an early supporter of new Bergen County Chairman Paul Juliano and a close supporter of Governor Phil Murphy (D-NJ) who made a significant financial investment in the 2016 council race that saw Democrats oust Rich Hughes and Mario Karcic.
Antonicello was an early supporter of Murphy’s run for governor.
NA Democrats also have the support of popular Democratic Freeholder Steve Tanelli who was elected last year to a third term. Tanelli is the first Democrat from North Arlington to serve on the Board of Freeholders and just the third in North Arlington history. He follows former NA Mayors William McDowell and Len Kaiser who also served on that county legislative body. Mc Dowell also served as sheriff and Bergen County’s first directly elected executive. Former Mayor Alexander Allan also served as county clerk and a street is named after him here in North Arlington.
Only North Arlington can boast having three freeholders, a sheriff, clerk and executive from the county’s southern most municipality.
Antonicello remains upbeat and enthusiastic about the race for three council seats.
“We have an experienced and fiscally conservative incumbent coupled with two newcomers endorsed by the New Jersey AFL-CIO. I have a candidate that has been appointed twice and elected four times. The Republicans have three candidates that have never won a race with a very thin record of accomplishment. They have an EnCap supporter on their ticket. I like our chances,” offered the long-time municipal leader and retired labor leader.
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