Mayoral candidate Mark Yampaglia more concerned about getting things done, versus who gets the credit!
North Arlington Democratic Councilman Mark Yampaglia is a low-key individual who rarely talks about himself or pounds his chest commanding credit. Yampaglia is unusual when it comes to politics and campaigning.
He wants to do the right thing and who gets the credit is really secondary.
“I’ve served for a long time in local government and I try to build a positive, working relationship with those who I come in contact. Be it the employees, the volunteers who serve on the various boards and commissions as well as my colleagues, getting things done is what matters.”
In the case of the Federal Express redevelopment project, Yampaglia pointed to that proposal as “both political parties wanting to do what was right for taxpayers.”
“Mayor Pete Massa got the ball rolling and Mayor Joe Bianchi picked up where Pete left off. That’s what bipartisan problem-solving is all about.”
Councilman Yampaglia says he will always be guided by the best idea or solution rather than partisan politics.
“I work from the assumption all that are involved in public service are in it for the right reasons. My time as a councilman has been pretty consistent. I have opposed property tax hikes and supported reasonable redevelopment that stabilizes our spending practices and brings added assessments to the rolls. I’m a fiscal conservative who wants to make sure we keep homeowner’s first and foremost on our minds.”
Yampaglia said he isn’t driven by politics, but sensible public policy.
“I don’t consider myself a politician of sorts. I have no ambitions beyond local public service. I want to work with Republicans as well as Democrats to get things done.”
Yampaglia points to his relationship with Republicans on the Governing Body.
“We work pretty well together. I know Allison and Brian for many years as well as Mayor Bianchi. Councilman Pronti has contributed in a meaningful way as well as Mario. Jean Williams and I are about getting things done. That’s what really matters,” offered Yampaglia.
A YAMPAGLIA AGENDA MEANS UNITY FOR NORTH ARLINGTON:
“I’ll select the best people to boards and commissions and competent and qualified officials in terms of the professional appointments. Local government is really run by hundreds of volunteers who run our recreational organizations and teams. The people who serve on the various boards as well as our paid staff, it’s a group effort. I want to ensure we maximize their enthusiasm and recognize those individuals.”
LOCAL SCHOOLS ARE IMPORTANT TO NORTH ARLINGTON:
“The community is changing. There are more children in the community and some of my finest memories were attending North Arlington HS. There is a balancing act between new and old residents and we can’t forget our seniors, the back bone of NA. As mayor I’ll have an open door policy with school officials as well as the students and parents. We’re all in this together,” said Yampaglia.
REDEVELOPMENT THAT MAKES SENSE:
“Where I have some disagreement with the current majority is that I am committed to the construction of one and two-family homes versus multiple dwelling and apartments. North Arlington is a densely populated community and two-thirds is a cemetery. The construction or conversion of single-family properties is a great source of added assessment minus the added density and population. We have to be careful and prudent not to overdevelop and cause a situation where rentals begin to add a stress on essential services. I think we need to rethink our path to progress if we depend too much on bringing too many new residents to North Arlington just because we can. Parking is a key issue and I believe North Arlington needs to remain small, safe suburban,” said the mayoral hopeful.
WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE?
“Keeping our finances and credit rating strong is essential to long-term planning. Borough Hall is an old structure and we should reorganize that facility that reflects an updated structure that delivers services faster, better and more effective. We also need to audit our office space and see if it reflects our needs for our Police Department too. We have to have a careful eye on the bottom-line. In addition, I believe the Senior Center could use a facelift. That structure is about 40 years old and we should think about renovations much the same way we refurbished the Library several years ago,” noted Yampaglia.
“We can’t let our physical properties deteriorate and fall in disrepair. That includes vehicles and other essential property like street sweepers and other municipal cars and trucks,” offered Yampaglia.
Yampaglia conceded some ideas could be out of reach currently, but planning is essential to moving the governmental ball forward.
“I really believe part of my destiny was to serve. I have a mission. I believe government service is like a link in a chain. It is a connection between the residents and those of us who do serve. For the work of public service is to do good things. I pray should I be elected that my time will be one that residents will be proud.”
To speak to Councilman Yampaglia, call (201) 602-2612.