North Arlington Democratic Councilman had the back of NJ Gubernatorial Candidate Phil Murphy in his 2016 upset win for Borough Council!
North Arlington – He was there for local Democrats in 2016 when no one thought they had a chance.
He was an unknown candidate for statewide office and NA Democrats were in the political wilderness trying to break an all-Republican hold on local government.
What difference two years makes!
Now a Democratic Councilman and ranking member, Mark Yampaglia wants to be North Arlington’s new mayor while Phil Murphy, the former German Ambassador stunned state party pundits by not only becoming the party’s nominee, but easily defeated former GOP LG and Chris Christie protégé Kim Guadagno to become New Jersey’s new governor.
Party Chairman Nick Antonicello, one of Murphy’s earliest supporters said Murphy was there when North Arlington Democrats needed him most and Murphy even visited North Arlington Borough Hall to swear-in both Yampaglia and his then running-mate, Councilwoman Jean Williams.
“Even our detractors and competitors came to Borough Hall when they heard Phil Murphy was swearing in Mark and Jean. They couldn’t believe it,” noted Antonicello.
“Governor Murphy put his money where his mouth was and financially supported our 2016 ticket when no one thought we could win. I was told it was impossible to defeat Rich Hughes and Mario Karcic, that we as Democrats didn’t have a chance. We shocked the world with Mark and Jean’s victory. The Republicans I think are still in shock,” offered Antonicello, the party’s longest serving and most successful Democratic leader.
Yampaglia is grateful for Governor Murphy’s support and looks forward to working with him should he be successful in his new role as mayor.
“I would not be here today as the party’s nominee if not for Governor Murphy’s advice and support two years ago and it was Chairman Antonicello who made it happen. We met with the Governor at the time at the Arlington Diner and he was all in. He wanted to help. He believed in what we were trying to do to bring two-party government to North Arlington,” noted Yampaglia.
Local Democrats returned the favor in 2017 when Murphy carried North Arlington over Kim Guadagno.
“Mark and Jean worked hard to ensure Phil Murphy carried the community. They were good Democrats and soldiers for the Governor.”
NA Democrats delivered for Murphy.
“Governor Murphy is a good friend and ally. As fellow Democrats, I know his door will be open to us should he be successful. That will be a North Arlington first to have that kind of cooperation from Trenton,” said Antonicello.
“If we win we could have the ear of a sitting governor and that’s a game-changer for North Arlington in my mind when governing with a new Democratic majority come 2019,” said Yampaglia.
To speak with Mark Yampaglia, contact him at (201) 502-2612.