THE REPUBLICAN RENAISSANCE? LONG ON RHETORIC AND WHERE’S THE BEEF?
Empty storefronts and buildings along Ridge Road hardly signify real change for North Arlington!
NORTH ARLINGTON – One of many empty storefronts along Ridge Road that remain vacant hardly represents the “renaissance” promised by local Republicans and in particular embedded incumbents like Brian Fitzhenry and Allison Sheedy as both are expected to seek reelection in a bid to preserve an All-Republican Mayor and Council monopoly. 
The picture here is of what appears to be an empty storefront in an unoccupied structure plastered with signs from the 2023 campaign of council members Mario Karcic and Donna Bocchino, who were reelected because they ran unopposed.Both are Republicans. It is unclear if the local GOP was or continues to be a tenant, and if they are currently occupying that Ridge Road retail space? The Italian Villa which was to the left is now closed after decades of being a busy and popular local pizzeria and the gym to the right has also closed it’s doors. The word on the street is that these structures are to be demolished and that multiple dwellings will be constructed again. Since NA Republicans like Fitzhenry have dominated local government, this obsession with apartments along Ridge Road is becoming the norm versus the exception.
An examination of local Republican campaign and club filings show numerous political contributions from developers, builders and other real estate interests according to the state’s Election Law Enforcement Commission more commonly known as ELEC. According to sources, the local Republicans host a $1,000 a ticket fundraiser annually in which their big ticket contributors all support, even when their candidates had no opposition as was the case in 2023.The Republicans currently enjoy a 7-0 majority and Democrats have not won a local contest since 2016 when they knocked off then incumbents Mario Karcic and Richard Hughes.They were defeated by former council members Mark Yampaglia and Jean Williams. No Democrat has served on the governing body in four years. Many believe the time has come for responsible, two-party government as Democrats will be fielding a ticket in 2024 and it is expected to be John Balwierczak and John Yampaglia.Both are graduates of North Arlington High School and strong supporters of our local schools.
In recent weeks these local Democrats have been attacked incessantly by anonymous sources in one particular FACEBOOK community that apparently is dominated by supporters of the GOP and no real yardstick for the thoughts or opinions of most North Arlington residents. If one didn’t know better, you would think Democrats were running the community since these fans of the local GOP blame all that is wrong on a political party out of power. They relish on revisionist history and distortions that borders on the ridiculous.
Local Democrats were asked to respond.“We have no comment regarding anonymous attacks that are random, unnamed and unsourced. We won’t be distracted by petty politics when there are more pressing issues residents are truly concerned about. We will continue to offer a bright and positive alternative for the community that puts North Arlington first and addresses the real issues of gentrification, urbanization, increased traffic along Ridge Road, excessive spending & borrowing along with rampant political patronage, pay raises, promotions and unfounded criticisms of our public schools. We will roll out at the appropriate time our vision for infrastructure improvements along Schuyler Avenue and River Road and we are committed to partnering with our county, state and federal allies to bring home those essential dollars North Arlington can certainly use to improve our quality of life moving forward,” offered candidates Balwierczak and Yampaglia.
The local Democrats will be meeting on Valentine’s Day, February 14th at the Arlington Diner beginning at 7PM and all supportive residents are invited to sign their candidate petitions or join the campaign.
For more information, contact the ticket@ 201-655-8497. 