Democratic candidate Mark Yampaglia seeks counsel and advice from two former Mayors in Russ Pitman & Pete Massa to build public policy consensus for the borough’s future goals and objectives!
Councilman Mark Yampaglia says he “blessed” to have the support of two former North Arlington mayors in his bid to unseat incumbent Joe Bianchi come the general election.
Yampaglia, who was appointed to the Borough Council by Russ Pitman in 2005 and again by Peter Massa in 2007, enjoys a strong relationship with both former chief executives.
Elected four times to the Borough Council as well, Yampaglia referred to both Pitman and Massa as the “institutional memories” of this campaign who offer distinct “skill sets” from both the public and private sectors that can enable me to perform at a “peak level” on behalf of taxpayers, residents and employees of North Arlington.
“Collectively former Mayors Pitman and Massa served twelve years and they have the direct leadership experience and wisdom that will offer me the kind of fresh advice and counsel few could ever hope to receive,” noted Yampaglia, a life-long resident and attorney in private practice located in Rutherford.
Yampaglia talked about Massa’s long service as a retired police sergeant, PBA president, school trustee, adjunct professor as well as his current service as a Commissioner with the Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA) as simply “an invaluable source of information that will be a guiding light in solving problems together.”
“In Russ Pitman I have a true advisor on issues of the budget and practical management skills given Mayor Pitman’s private sector leadership in the active apparel industry. Russ and council running-mate Josie Papile come from the same industry and both are experts in budgeting and finance. I’ll have the advantage of two individuals by my side who understand the numbers and will assist me in tackling the issues of taxes, spending and municipal debt; both long-term and short-term,” offered the Democratic hopeful.
Yampaglia noted two distinct examples of “bipartisan problem solving.”
“Both Jean and I support budgets that keep taxes stable and that now seems to be a bipartisan goal and objective. Mayor Massa started the process of redevelopment at Porete Avenue with Federal Express and Mayor Bianchi has every right to reap credit for his leadership on this issue which I support. All of us who served did not play politics with this issue. It takes a team and it takes members of both parties working together for the common good. This is truly placing North Arlington first and I’ll be the first to congratulate Mayor Joe.”
MASTERING TECHNOLOGY:
Yampaglia believes a government that is “paperless” should be a stated goal and government can learn from the private sector.
“Russ has hands on experience on this issue and I would like to set a timeline and time frame to make that possible once it’s been investigated, analyzed and properly vetted.”
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING:
“Mayor Massa has negotiated collective bargaining agreements (CBA’s) on both sides of the table as a union president, school board president and mayor. That is an invaluable skill set that will be essential in creating “win-win” partnerships with our employees,” said the Mayoral hopeful.
NEW IDEAS:
“Russ suggested a great proposal to have each of the six council members be assigned as liaisons to specific neighborhoods that keep our ear to the ground. For example, one councilmember would be assigned Porete Avenue or Ridge Road as well as other surface seats so that we have immediate feedback in terms of curb reconstruction, sewer traps that need cleaning or trees that need to be trimmed and potholes filled. This keeps our government close to residents who don’t have the time to attend council meetings or contact the appropriate department to get the problem solved,” said Yampaglia.
Yampaglia expressed that a “bipartisan approach that is transparent and includes all” is a better government for all.
“Elections and politics cannot consume or suffocate local government. I will have a hotline directly to me that will afford residents to tell me of problems that need to be managed and solved and that’s what a Yampaglia Administration will strive for each and every day.”