NORTH ARLINGTON – Veterans of multiple campaigns, former Mayor and BCUA
Commissioner Peter Massa joined mayoral hopeful and Democratic Councilman
Mark Yampaglia at the Post Office located at Ridge Park Drive Saturday
morning.
In his signature Panama straw hat, the retired NA Police officer and
life-long resident embarked on his eighth campaign for public office and
second attempt for a seat on the borough council.
Initially elected to the NA Board of Education in 1990, Massa was reelected
in 1993 and served as both board vice-president and president. In 1994 Massa
made an unsuccessful run for mayor and was elected to the council in 2004
and then elected mayor in 2006. Re-elected in 2010, Massa lost a bid for a
third term in 2014. This year’s run to get back to the Mayor and Council has
the longtime local official upbeat and optimistic.
“I’ve won and lost, and winning is always better than losing,” chuckled the
former mayor who has won five elections while losing just two.
“I was very flattered to be asked to be on the ticket and this is a very
strong team given Mark’s long service and Josie’s expert knowledge in
finance. Along with Councilwoman Jean Williams, I believe we will make a
formidable new majority for homeowners and taxpayers alike.”
Massa is the only North Arlington resident to serve as a school board
trustee, councilman and mayor.
An adjunct professor of Criminal Justice, Massa is a graduate of Rutgers
University with a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA). A finalist for
the original post of borough administrator in 1980, Massa is an Eighth
Street homeowner with his wife Val. Massa is a graduate of Queen of Peace HS
and the Massa’s have two adult sons.
“My entire career has been in the public sector. I’m trained in the world of
public management and administration and I believe my sixteen years of
elective office, plus my tenure as a police officer uniquely qualifies me to
govern in an effective fashion for taxpayers,” noted the former Mayor.
Yampaglia greeted his running-mate with enthusiasm and optimism about this
year’s campaign.
I’ve been lucky enough to earn the confidence of NA voters four times and
serve with Pete when he was mayor. I could not think of a more qualified and
competent running-mate then retired Sergeant Pete Massa,” noted Yampaglia.
Appointed twice to the council by two different mayors and elected in 2005,
2008, 2011 and 2016; Yampaglia previously served as Municipal Defender as
well as a member of the North Arlington/Lyndhurst Joint Sewer Board.
A graduate of The Touro School of Law, Yampaglia runs his own legal practice
in neighboring Rutherford.
“My family believes in public service. My Dad was a Municipal Judge who
served under both Democrats and Republicans. He also ran for mayor in 1990
and my brother is a member of the Planning Board. This is our way making a
positive impact on governance and local politics,” offered Yampaglia.
Both Massa and Yampaglia were encouraged by the positive reaction they
received from residents.
“People thank us for doing this, for volunteering and being responsible
candidates for public office. They realize the time and commitment and we’re
gratified by that sense of support,” offered both candidates.
The Democrats will host a table each and every Saturday until Election Day
with the exception of Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends.
For more information about the campaign contact Councilman
Yampaglia at (201) 602-1612.
