OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE RECENT RIDGE ROAD MURDERS BY MAYORAL CANDIDATE JOHN BALWIERCZAK.
My deepest condolences go out to the victims and their families regarding this evil act that has our community in shock and rightly so.
Execution style murders like these have no place in North Arlington or anywhere else, and I urge any resident who has any information regarding these killings get in contact with the NAPD at (201) 991-4400. I applaud the ongoing efforts of the Bergen County Prosecutor in cooperation with our Police Department to find those responsible.
As a lifetime resident and graduate of North Arlington High School, public safety is my prime concern.
North Arlington is a suburban, bedroom community.
We are the gateway to Bergen County.
People move to North Arlington to leave behind high crime that comes with living in densely populated urban centers.
I relish our small town, suburban charm.
But that has changed, and North Arlington seems to be replicating and mimicking the development woes of a Belleville instead.
My candidacy is about retaining North Arlington’s long-standing principles and values of staying small, safe, and suburban.
For we must find back our way and move together in these days ahead.
The massive overdevelopment of Ridge Road with apartments, and the decimation of the Ridge Road business district, which had thrived for decades, needs to be addressed. I personally count at least a dozen empty retail storefronts, including the old MELRAY’s property; the largest space in town to be vacant and dormant.
We need a “Back-to-Basics” approach when it comes to Ridge Road.
The police presence, especially on the weekends, should be on foot as well and in teams of two.
I’m for actions and solutions from our public safety partners that this cannot ever happen again, and I’m willing to support any investments necessary to do in terms of technology or other upgrades necessary.
I will collaborate closely with Chief Horton to discuss any alternative modes of officer deployment should residents select me as mayor. I will work collectively with the governing body to ensure public safety remains a top priority.
For this is the second major criminal incident in 2026.
The first was a federal raid of a retail business just around the corner on the Belleville Pike, which was drug related in size and scope. No statement or explanation as to what occurred was released to the public, and that’s a red flag.
North Arlington will get past this as a community and move on to better and brighter days.
John Balwierczak
Democratic Candidate for Mayor
(201) 655-8497