NA needs a fresh face, a new perspective to replace the current GOP monopoly of only Republicans.
NORTH ARLINGTON – It is unusual to have a candidate under the age of thirty seeking public office here in the community. But this year the local Democrats are offering a capable, qualified and competent individual who would bring fresh blood, youth and new thinking to the Mayor & Council.
Kerim Sever, a recent graduate of NJIT who is an Information Systems Professional has a background in Data Science, Cyber Security, Web Development, IT Solutions, Data Analytics and Software Development represents a new generation of political leadership for North Arlington homeowners and taxpayers.
“Despite his youth, Kerim is an accomplished academic in the skill sets of the future. There is no one serving on the Mayor & Council or employed by the Borough that has this kind of unique background. I don’t think we have a single member of the Borough Council under the age of 45. North Arlington needs and demands a diversification of skill set in technology and a bright young man like Kerim who is willing and able to serve,” offered Democratic Municipal Chairman Nick Antonicello.
Kerim, an Associate Data Engineer with 32 BJ Funds in Manhattan is running in tandem with his Dad Cengiz Sever who is taking on Republican incumbent Dan Pronti for the office of mayor.
The BJ Benefit Funds is committed to supporting, rewarding and recognizing the contributions of their employees. They invest in recruiting, developing and retaining employees – and in return expect all employees to commit themselves to bringing initiative and energy to their work. Sever used SQL and Python to develop high level stored procedures and processes for data automation. Sever heads up the OptumRX data claims and Delta Dental.
His background in health benefits data is the kind of new age resume and skill set local Democrats believe offers voters a sharp difference in that it can control costs and bring a higher result to municipal government.
“Kerim will offer a dynamic new dialogue as the youngest member of the governing body should voters think outside the box and elect an individual that is vibrant, new and willing to consider new ideas and proposals to encourage that local government evolve, adapt and become much more user friendly for homeowners, tenants and taxpayers. We are very proud to offer voters someone who has a very unique background this community needs in an elected local official,” noted Antonicello.
“Monopolies only work for those part of the monopoly. It’s the reason the Republicans are spending tax dollars at record levels because no one is protecting taxpayers, especially seniors,” said the local Democratic leader.
The NA Democrats have been endorsed by County Executive James Tedesco of Paramus and his running-mates for county commissioner, formerly known as freeholders. They also have the support of Rep. Bill Pascrell, the area member of the US House of Representatives.
The Republicans have enjoyed a lopsided, 7-0 majority and have casts hundreds of votes that have increased debt, spending and salary increases for themselves to attend just one meeting a month before an empty room during this pandemic.
The North Arlington Democrats have also received the support of the New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin of Middlesex County along with State Senator Paul Sarlo and Assembly member Clinton Calabrese along with former two-term Democratic Mayor Peter Massa, a former councilman and President of the North Arlington Board of Education. Massa served as mayor from 2007-2015.
Democrats agree the time for responsible, two-party government is now.
“The Republicans have cast thousands of votes to increase spending and the cost of local government. Their broken promises of true redevelopment have become an assault on North Arlington’s character as the gateway to Bergen County and instead we have become an extension of Hudson County as our small and suburban values are being replaced with urbanization, overdevelopment and the traffic we now have along Ridge Road because hundreds of new apartments have done nothing to curb spending and taxes,” said Antonicello.
“There was once a bipartisan understanding that protecting North Arlington as small and safe has been replaced by Pronti and six council members who refuse to challenge or debate these very questionable practices few residents support. North Arlington needs to get back on the right track and elect new faces that have the fresh ideas to move forward.”
To join the campaign to elect Cengiz and Kerim, contact Antonicello at (201) 937-4277 or via e-mail at [email protected]