A crew of sixteen Yampaglia for Mayor Campaign workers joined the insurgent challenger today along with running-mates Pete Massa and Josie Papile in an effort to knock on every door in North Arlington and maximize support and turnout in this race for control of Borough Hall.
NA Democrats opposed this year’s tax hike and policy of “rolling reassessments” that are highly unpopular with residents. Democrats are calling for responsible redevelopment that maintains North Arlington’s character of being small, safe and suburban while the Republicans tout increased density and traffic through the approval of hundreds of new apartments along Ridge Road that are driving up rents as well as the cost of essential municipal services such as police, public safety and the cost of local public schools.
Democrats are calling for the construction of a bike and running path at the Passaic River that would connect the Arlington Diner to Riverside County Park in Lyndhurst as well as the complete renovation of the Senior Center behind the Free Public Library on Ridge Road.
In addition, Democrats are calling for a permanent Farmer’s Market, pocket parks, dog parks and community gardens to beautify the borough while demanding compensation and revenue in the form of PILOT’s with the Archdiocese of Newark’s Holly Cross Cemetery which has over 200,000 burial sites currently. They seek a state agreement that would provide a permanent revenue stream for taxpayers.
Democratic workers wearing Tanelli, Yampaglia, Massa & Papile tee-shirts vigorously pounded the pavement, engaging homeowners and tenants alike as candidate Yampaglia along with his running-mates hosted a table at the Post Office and then joined former North Arlington Mayor Ed Martone in a door to door effort in the Canterbury Gardens along the Belleville Turnpike and Ridge Road.
“This is a very competitive election. Democratic tracking polls have Mark within the margin of error and it’s our job to maximize turnout to around 4,200 to ensure victory,” noted local Democratic Leader Nick Antonicello.
In addition to the intensive canvassing today that will continue this week until all homes have been contacted, the Democrats placed about 150 signs to date around the community for name identification with supporters.
“Our signs are two-sided and they look great in red, white and blue. Our activity is all about ensuring Democrats get to the polls. This election is more about turnout then persuasion. If Democrats get to the polls and are motivated, it should be a good night for the local ticket,” offered Antonicello, a forty-year homeowner and retired union president.
Democrats believe their platform is resonating with voters while their opponents seem to be doing next to nothing.
“The Republicans are not walking door to door and the two independents for mayor are doing even less. Mark, Pete and Josie have been engaging voters for months and have a slew of endorsements in this race.”
NA Democrats released a list of current endorsements:
· US Congressman Bill Pascrell
· New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy
· New Jersey Senator Paul Sarlo
· New Jersey Assembly member Gary Schaer
· New Jersey Assembly member Clinton Calabrese
· Bergen County Executive James Tedesco
· Bergen County Freeholder Steve Tanelli
· Bergen County Freeholder Tracy Zur
· Bergen County Clerk John Hogan
· Former North Arlington Mayor Russ Pitman
· Former North Arlington Mayor Ed Martone
· Former North Arlington Councilman Patrick Roche
· Bergen County Democratic Committee Chairman Louis Stellato
· The North Arlington Democratic Municipal Committee