WHERE’S THE PLAN DAN?
The Mayor pivots and plays politics when asked about legal fees when fighting the state of New Jersey!
How about a straight answer?
NORTH ARLINGTON – Mayor Dan Pronti doesn’t sound like a man with a plan when it comes to North Arlington being non-compliant when it comes to its affordable housing obligations as the rest of the state has settled, North Arlington is one of just six municipalities seeking to litigate Trenton.
In fact, 561 out of the 567 municipalities including Lyndhurst, Kearny, Rutherford, East Rutherford have all settled while the cost of litigation could get very expensive with no guarantee of a favorable verdict.
So, the question is obvious, why hasn’t North Arlington settled with New Jersey and what will be the costs of an expensive and protracted legal battle?
Here is the online dialogue between council candidate Cengiz “Jim” Sever, a homeowner, husband and father of three, and Mayor Pronti, the part-time real estate agent and elected official. 
Basically, Sever asked what would be the cost of legal proceedings and what would be the borough’s plan “B” if the lawsuit fails?
Pronti, not mentioning names claimed past member of the Borough Council were “nickel & dimed everything just to put on a show for the public.”
Who is he talking about?
He claimed the town “was run down,” and our employees were miserable?
Has a borough employee ever resigned over a state of misery?
Has Mayor Pronti taken a good look at Ridge Road these days?
It is safe to say there are more vacancies along Ridge Road than ever before, with the former MELRAYS property the largest single unoccupied space along theavenue! 
The Mayor claims increased revenue, probably because of rolling tax assessments that are unfair and not equitable, and woefully unpopular with homeowners to boot. 
But if North Arlington is so flush with cash, why are municipal taxes increasing again for a second consecutive year?
What about this million-dollar gap in the new budget according to Councilman Mario Karcic?
There are no Democrats to blame because no Democrat has served on the council since 2019, some six years ago!
North Arlington’s local government is dominated by all Republicans, not a single Democrat.
Litigation and the potential cost of going to court can be hardly regarded as “miniscule” in action or practice, especially when 91% of New Jersey’s other municipalities have already settled.
The reason why Mayor Dan pivots and plays politics is because he doesn’t have a plan “A” or “B.”
He’s prepared to sink tax dollars into a lawsuit instead of negotiating in good faith with New Jersey to get the best deal.
Don’t you think the other 561 communities would sue as well if they thought they would prevail?
So, who wins?
The lawyers?
Who loses?
The homeowner!
Dan Pronti doesn’t speak for all employees as North Arlington has an admirable workforce, and most are probably happy in their occupation and livelihood.
Nobody likes any mandates from the state, and the Democrats would rather negotiate with NJ officials then roll the dice and hope for the best in court.
Even Alpine, arguably the richest Zip Code in all of New Jersey has settled, why not NA?
Lawsuits are not a plan, just a hope and a prayer in the form of a legal Hail Mary!
And we don’t have Roger Staubach as our QB.
And here is a bit of information Dan doesn’t tell, and that is as Mayor he doesn’t vote on any plan. He only votes in case of a tie, and there will be no tie on this vote or any other vote regarding affordable housing compliance.
When 98% of New Jersey is going in another direction by governing and getting along with our state partners, where is the rationale to go rogue and hope for the best?
Anyone who disagrees with good old Dan must have someone whispering in his ear, hopefully a real plan.
One wishes Dan would do a little more listening and a little less politics.
For if North Arlington loses, taxpayers will pay the bill, not dear old Dan.
It seems the Mayor & Council are taking the same position as the Board of Education and that’s sue first and ask questions later.
Governance by definition is building consensus.
The two Democrats in this race for borough council want to leave that door open and exhaust all options before throwing good money after bad with legal fees and ligation that was successfully avoid by literally the rest of New Jersey.
Just another reason why NA needs responsible, two-party government and end this political monopoly of one-man and six puppets.
Time to place taxpayers first!