WHO IS RAISING PROPERTY TAXES & WHO ISN’T!
BOARD OF EDUCATION ESTIMATES AN $8 “DECREASE” FOR 2026-27 SCHOOL BUDGET, WHILE PRONTI BLAMES COUNTY, BOE & LIBRARY FOR HIGHER COSTS!
BUT PRONTI APPOINTS LIBRARY TRUSTEES, ENDORSED 2025, $200K OUT-COURT-SETTLEMENT!
PRONTI’S RANDOM REASSESSMENTS ARE RAISING TAXES AT HISTORIC LEVELS!
NORTH ARLINGTON – The question of property taxes here in North Arlington is widely discussed and becomes politicized by the rhetoric of MAGA Mayor Dan Pronti (R), who likes to blame others versus taking a hard look at his own actions and lack of leadership.
Incredibly, Pronti now claims property taxes are at an “historic” low! 
There isn’t even a shred of credibility in Pronti’s most outrageous lie!
For Pronti believes in the massive overdevelopment of Ridge Road and the proliferation of apartment construction coupled with annual tax reassessments that are driving residents out of NA, especially seniors. 
His challenger, Democrat John Balwierczak wants to return to property revaluations that are every 7-10 years, like 90% of New Jersey’s 574 municipalities.
“It is not fair or justified to revalue properties in the fashion Pronti has implemented,” noted the candidate.
In an online interaction started by a homeowner, the post asked for clarification as to how many portions there are of any municipal tax bill. 
Pronti quickly stated he doesn’t control the county, open space, or library school costs. What Pronti failed to acknowledge is that the Mayor & Council appoints every member of the Library’s Board of Trustees.
In the end, these are his political appointments.
And Pronti continues to ignore the 2025 $200,000 out-of-court settlement he approved with a former library employee whose litigation claimed a hostile work environment. The entire Mayor & Council approved this expenditure while failing to discuss the reasoning or the facts around this case. 
The question is why?
“Has Pronti held anyone accountable over at the Library board? He appointed every trustee. These are his selections with his approval stamp. What has been done to correct or reform that this kind of massive legal expenditure does not happen again? Pronti refuses to discuss this outrageous financial settlement, and the question is doesn’t Pronti have an obligation to taxpayers and the parents & children that patronize that facility? The arrogance knows no bounds,” offered Balwierczak. 
“The bottom line is that local property taxes are the core funding mechanism for the library. State and federal funding is supplemental, while donations & grants from various sources can also be sourced and entertained.”
In the same exchange, it was noted that the North Arlington Board of Education is anticipating an $8 dollar decrease in school taxes for the 2026-27 budget. 
In contrast, Pronti is blaming healthcare costs; expenditures he claims can’t be controlled.
Another municipal tax hike is anticipated for the 2026-27 budget.
The North Arlington Municipal Budget was estimated at $26.6 million in 2019. Spending increased to $30.2 million in 2023-24 and latest available data has been spending in excess of $32,000,000.
That’s roughly $5M or a 19% hike since 2020!
“The only person raising taxes and blaming others is Dan Pronti.” 
“We need to Improve plan management & oversight, ensure waste is eliminated and that demands smart contract oversight and improved competitive bidding. This needs to become a priority with Trump cutting and slashing healthcare costs first and asking questions later,” observed Balwierczak.
“I graduated from North Arlington HS and attended Jefferson elementary. I have a great respect for the educational system of the community, and I’ll be a partner, not a political boss running candidates against proven community advocates dedicated to quality public education. Will Pronti make a pledge to stop interfering in the operation of our local schools by running partisan candidates against these trustees? I doubt it,” offered the candidate.
“When you begin with can’t, solutions won’t be realized. The goal is to review all options without having to decrease benefits. I’ll ask our appointed professionals to assist in this process.”
Meet the next mayor. 
Call him at (201) 655-8497.
A new voice for a better North Arlington.