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g"HOW SWEET IT IS!"

TEN REASONS WHY THE REPUBLICANS LOST AND TEN REASONS WHY THE DEMOCRATS WON!

The longest election cycle in American history ended in historic fashion as Senator Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States.

Here in North Arlington, political realignment took place as the last remnants of the Kaiser political machine were disposed of in a Democratic landslide that saw Council President Steve Tanelli emerge as a political force while Mayor Pete Massa flexed his political muscle by putting the weight of his office squarely behind this extraordinary effort.

More importantly, voters rejected the politics of the past by handing political insider Jim Bocchino his second defeat while rejecting the political comeback of former Councilman James Herrmann. Read More


Len Kaiser walks out the back gate at his home at 143 Canterbury Avenue in North Arlington Friday morning


Candidates talk Porete, landfills


gCampaign 2008:

Herrmann & Bocchino loose with the facts and thin on message as two challengers try to take credit for zero tax increase budget.

Local Republicans refuse to release resumes or even mention EnCap by name!

NORTH ARLINGTON - How do you take credit for a budget you never constructed and when you don't currently serve?

That was the question North Arlington Democrats were asking after reviewing a brochure being distributed by Republican challengers James Bocchino and James Herrmann in their quest to create a record where none exists. Read More


gTanelli, Yampaglia pledge to keep North Arlington small, safe and suburban!

Democrats run on "zero" tax increase, stopping EnCap!

NORTH ARLINGTON - Council President Steve Tanelli & former Councilman Mark Yampaglia kicked off their 2008 campaign by pledging to a platform that retains North Arlington's small town character while stabilizing property taxes.

Council President Tanelli and former Councilman Yampaglia noted that only North Arlington under the leadership of Mayor Pete Massa was able to deliver a "zero" tax increase for homeowners. Read More


gEDITORIAL:

Stand for something? Or stand for nothing?

The silence is deafening. 

On the tough questions of EnCap, eminent domain seizure and low income housing, Bocchino & Herrmann have really nothing to say!

Campaigns have a tendency to become about "pomp and circumstance" versus the real issues that people really want to discuss. Read More


gCAMPAIGN 2008: 

TANELLI & YAMPAGLIA HIT THE BRICKS!

Democrats encouraged by positive reaction to "zero" tax hike and opposition to EnCap project!

NORTH ARLINGTON - Council President Steve Tanelli and former Councilman Mark Yampaglia are hitting the bricks in an intensive door-to-door campaign.

The Democrats were encouraged by the strong show of support for the "zero" tax hike as well as the fight to keep EnCap out of North Arlington. Read More


CAMPAIGN 2008: COUNCILMAN JIM FERRIERO TO RETIRE AFTER SIX YEARS ON GOVERNING BODY


CAMPAIGN 2008: DEMOCRATS FILE COUNTY COMMITTEE SLATE IN RECONFIGURED ELECTION DISTRICTS THAT REDUCES THE NUMBER FROM TWELVE TO TEN


CAMPAIGN 2008: GOP TAPS BOCCHINO, HERMANN FOR COUNCIL


gCAMPAIGN 2008:

NA DEMOCRATS TAP MARK YAMPAGLIA TO SUCCEED RETIRING FERRIERO ON COUNCIL TICKET WITH STEVE TANELLI!

Ferriero endorses Yampaglia as Democrats rally around zero tax increase and take a hard-line against EnCap for the fall campaign!

NORTH ARLINGTON - The North Arlington Democratic Committee has endorsed the candidacy of former North Arlington Councilman Mark Yampaglia to run with incumbent Council President Steve Tanelli come the fall campaign. Read More


gEDITORIAL:

Say it ain't so, Joe!

Despite his campaign rhetoric, Councilman Bianchi has no plan to cut taxes and he owes voters an apology!

Campaigning and governing are two very different things.

Ask Councilman Joe Bianchi. Read More


gBREAKING BUDGET NEWS:

"ZERO Point ZERO"

Massa Administration to introduce "no tax" increase municipal budget for 2008-09, homeowners get the break they deserve!

Tanelli: Our fiscal house is finally in order!

NORTH ARLINGTON - Sources tell NA TODAY that the Massa Administration will introduce a "zero tax increase" municipal budget for the 2008-09 fiscal, a dramatic financial turnaround from last year's 33% tax hike. Read More


POLITICAL SHOCKER:

KAISER, NJMC PUSHES FOR 5,000 LOW INCOME UNITS FOR MEADOWLANDS!

When will Bianchi or Hughes take a position on low income housing for North Arlington?

Spanola & Yampaglia condemn any plan to bring high density housing to North Arlington, no Arlington Valley's please!

LYNDHURST -  A proposal by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC) to construct as many as 5,000 low income housing units on 14 Meadowlands communities has become a defining issue in the race for two council seats here in North Arlington. Challengers Bianchi & Hughes support it while Democrats Spanola and Yampaglia oppose any kind of housing as proposed by EnCap Holdings. Read More


north arlingtonSpanola, Yampaglia, Bianchi & Hughes win respective party nods

BCDO candidates win easily for Sheriff & Freeholder, Lyndhurst activist Mike Guarino wins GOP write-in to challenge incumbent Paul Sarlo in 36th Legislative Senate race

2007 Primary Election Democrat Totals
2007 Primary Election Republican Totals

NORTH ARLINGTON - In a light turnout, local Democrats out polled local Republicans nearly 3-1 in nominating incumbents Phil Spanola & Mark Yampaglia while the GOP nominated former candidate Joe Bianchi & Richard Hughes.

Spanola led the local ticket with 210 votes with his running-mate Mark Yampaglia receiving 201 votes. On the Republican side, Joseph Bianchi making his second bid for council received 79 votes with newcomer Rich Hughes receiving 77
. Read More


dNA 'vindicated' by Sen. Sarlo’s vocal support
gt


gTrivia Quiz:

Who can name the police officer escorting then Senator John F Kennedy on a campaign stop to Jersey City in the Fall of 1960?

To Kennedy's right is former New Jersey Governor Robert Meyner as well as former Hudson County Supervisor Jackie Deegan, and former Congressman Dominick Daniels (D-14). To the right of Kennedy behind the police officer is former Congressman Cornelius Gallagher of Bayonne of the old 15th congressional district.

Gallagher was seriously considered to be Lyndon Johnson's running-mate in 1964. Johnson ultimately chose Senator Hubert Humphrey (D-Minnesota). The Democratic Convention that year was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey.


gDem fundraiser an overwhelming success!


2006 NORTH ARLINGTON DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY:
District
Russ Pitman*
Pete Massa
Patrick Roche*
Mark Yampaglia*
Al Granell
Sal DiBlasi
1
27
42
26
23
43
40
2
59
58
52
53
61
61
3
41
59
37
37
55
59
4
75
106
66
70
99
100
5
76
99
86
72
93
90
6
53
73
49
51
69
71
7
66
112
60
57
117
111
8
35
114
29
32
114
115
9
25
23
22
19
26
25
10
25
16
20
20
19
19
11
67
85
55
57
90
89
12
35
48
33
34
43
45
Absentee
           
Totals
584
833
517
525
828
830
*Denotes Incumbent
Denotes Victor

 

ELECTION SPECIAL:

North Arlington Democrats coast to easy victory!

 
Tanelli leads ticket again with a 12-district win, Ferriero elected to a second three-year term, defeats McDermott by nearly 600 votes!
 
Yampaglia defeats Porcile for unexpired term by over 800 votes

NORTH ARLINGTON - Democratic incumbents Steve Tanelli, James Ferriero and Mark Yampaglia easily outdistanced a trio of Independents to retain complete Democratic control of North Arlington's governing body.. Click Here


Endorsement:

For Borough Council:

Ferriero, Tanelli & Yampaglia.

Borough needs experienced and qualified members to serve on the council to tackle the issues of development, property taxes and an overall vision for North Arlington.
 
The election for three seats on the North Arlington Borough Council has been relatively quiet given what's at stake for homeowners & taxpayers. Read More

7 QUESTIONS WITH COUNCILMAN STEVE TANELLI

1. What do you see as the short terms goals for the community. The issues most important to you?

Short term goals and long term goals for North Arlington in my opinion are one and the same. Read More


An NA Today Exclusive:

Candidate Corzine goes door to door with local Democrats.

Click on an image above!

McDermott & Porcile crash Democratic house party!

Mayor Pitman, Council President Ferriero get warm welcome from homeowners.
 
NORTH ARLINGTON - United States Senator Jon Corzine (D-NJ), the Democratic nominee for governor hustled door-to-door Tuesday evening in North Arlington while wrapping up a night of campaigning at a house party on Hedden Terrace. Read More

No Increase in Extraordinary Aid for NA

Rutherford, Wood-Ridge, Wallington see increases in state support while Garfield & Carlstadt receive less in Extraordinary aid.

Municipality 
2004 Award 
2005 Award 
+ / -
       
North Arlington
$330,000
$330,000
0
Rutherford
$330,000
$450,000
+$120,000
Wallington
$300,000
$350,000
+$50,000
Carlstadt
$260,000
$200,000
-$60,000
Moonache
$175,000
$175,000
0
Garfield City
$610,000
$550,000
-$60,000
Wood-Ridge
$400,000
$500,000
+$100,000
TOTALS:
$2,405,000
$2,555,000
$150,000
 
NORTH ARLINGTON - Pleas for additional state funding in wake of a $445,000 charge back fell upon deaf ears as North Arlington will receive the same amount of funding as appropriated in 2004.
 
The borough, which had requested increases in their application to nearly $800,000 will receive less than half or $330,000. Read More

What is North Arlington's share of Extraordinary Aid in 2005?

Borough's share of aid has decreased from $500K to $330K in two years!

Municipality 
2002 Award
2004 Award 
+ / -
       
Nutley
0
0
0
Passaic City
0
0
0
North Arlington
$500,000
$330,000
-$170,000
Lyndhurst
0
0
0
Rutherford
$700,000
$330,000
-$370,000
East Rutherford
0
0
0
Wallington
0
$300,000
+$300,000
Carlstadt
0
$260,000
+$260,000
Moonache
$100,000
$175,000
+$75,000
Garfield City
$700,000
$610,000
-$90,000
Wood-Ridge
$400,000
$400,000
0
TOTALS:
$2,400,000
$2,405,000
$5,000
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Municipal Aid , 02 & 04
 
NORTH ARLINGTON - Will local homeowners face a hike in municipal property taxes because state aid is decreasing from Trenton? That's the question many are pondering with the adoption of the 2005 state budget that calls for nearly $29 billion dollars in spending. Read More

McDermott to seek three-year term, Porcile opts for Rosenblatt's unexpired term.

Sheedy files under slogan, Responsible, Accountable, Positive.

GOP Write-in's fail to make November ballot, Democrats poised to run on a record of putting homeowner's first!
 
NORTH ARLINGTON - Independent candidates George McDermott & Joseph Porcile will be running as a team under the slogan, "Community before Politics" while Eileen Sheedy has opted for the slogan, "Responsible - Accountable - Positive." Read More

Unofficial Primary Results - North Arlington, NJ

An NA Today Exclusive:

LOCAL GOP FAILS TO FILE TICKET!
 
Barring write-in campaign, Democrats may have no opposition come the fall campaign
 
Independents can still file for council till June!
 
NORTH ARLINGTON - For the first time in the history of the local Republican Party, there will be no candidates for the Republican nomination on the June Primary ballot. Read More

McDermott, Porcile mount Independent challenge to local Democrats

Seek signatures at Post Office to gain ballot access
 
NORTH ARLINGTON - George McDermott and Joseph A. Porcile apparently took a page out of the Democratic playbook and sought signatures from borough residents this weekend to gain access to the November ballot and prevent local Democrats from running unopposed.
 
McDermott, who finished last in a field of five candidates in 2004 is apparently set to run again with Porcile, an unsuccessful candidate for council in 1998 and 1999. Read More

An NA TODAY Exclusive:

McDermott, Porcile & Sheedy file as Independents to challenge NA Democrats
 
NORTH ARLINGTON - As expected, two perennial candidates and the mother of a Republican Committeewoman have filed as Independents to challenge Democrats Steve Tanelli, James Ferriero and Mark Yampaglia in this year's fall contest for three seats on the North Arlington Borough Council. Read More

GOP writes-in Gallo, Corrigan and Stiner for Borough Council!

North Arlington now has 9 candidates for 3 Council Seats!
 
Schundler defeats Forrester 153-92, DiGaetano finishes third in NA!
 
Lonegan Slate for freeholder defeats GOP endorsed ticket
 
NA Residents Kearney & Maltese run strongly throughout South Bergen on anti-Encap campaign against Sandoval & Aloia for assembly in district 36!
 
Ferriero top vote-getter in Democratic Primary
 
NORTH ARLINGTON - Republican primary voters yesterday expanded the potential field of council candidates to nine with write-in votes for former Councilman Lou Gallo, Planning Board Member Jay Corrigan and borough resident Roland Stiner, a vocal critic of the EnCap project. Read More

Tanelli talks and walks for a cause

2005 North Arlington Council Race: Fanning, Hughes & McDermott to challenge Tanelli, Ferriero and Yampaglia?

Candidates for county and municipal office

Rothman Secures  Approval Of  $380,000 To Fix North Arlington's 18th Century Copper Mine Problem

Secures Funding Mayor Pitman Requested To Fix Collapsed Shafts on Morton Place 

Washington, DC - Following through on his pledge to secure federal funds to fix a collapsed 18th Century copper mine shaft in North Arlington that threatens to destroy area homes and property, Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ9) last night secured $380,000 from the House Appropriations Committee, the level of funding the Borough was seeking from the federal government. Read More


Tanelli takes a seat in NA

The following letter was sent to North Arlington homeowners from Mayor Russ Pitman regarding the sale of the borough's water utility:

"TAKE OUT THE BROOMS!"

DEMOCRATS SPANOLA, MASSA AND TANELLI COAST TO 12-DISTRICT SWEEP!


TANELLI LEADS TICKET WITH 3,348 VOTES, DEFEATS PIMPINELLI BY 755 VOTES!

MASSA GARNERS 3,282, SPANOLA 3,065, FITZHENRY 2,527 AND GILLIS 2,346!

McDERMOTT TRAILS WITH 854 VOTES!

SPANOLA
MASSA
TANELLI

NORTH ARLINGTON - Political realignment took place tonight as Democrats will occupy all seven seats of local government for the first time since the 1950's in an overwhelming victory that was clearly a referendum on Russ Pitman's tenure as mayor.

Democrats carried each of the borough's twelve districts with huge margins of victory in the seventh and second districts. Candidates Massa and Spanola both reside in the seventh and the second is the home of Mayor Russ Pitman.

Running as the "Homeowner's Choice," Democrats ran just as large in the ninth and tenth districts which are heavily populated with tenants.

In a race that was nasty and bitter, Democrats overcame a negative campaign engineered by ex-Mayor Leonard Kaiser who directed the GOP election day effort from his Canterbury Avenue home. Read More


UNOFFICIAL RESULTS - 2004 NORTH ARLINGTON GENERAL ELECTION:

 
 
For President:
 
George W. Bush* (R) - 3,240
 
John Kerry (D)      - 3,227
 
Ralph Nader (I)     -    33
 
 
For US House of Representatives:
 
Steven R. Rothman* (D) - 3,526
 
Edward Trawinski   (R) - 2,259
 
 
For Sheriff:
 
Joel Trella* (R)       - 2,442
 
Leo McGuire  (D)       - 3,360
 
 
 
For Freeholder:
 
Richard Mola* (R)      - 2,409
 
Judy Sobkowicz (R)     - 2,421
 
Robert Yudin (R)       - 2,248
 
James Carroll* (D)      - 3,261
 
Thomas Padilla (D)     - 3,271
 
Elizabeth Calabrese (D) - 3,358
 
 
* denotes incumbent

 

Post Election Analysis:

 
PITMAN-HATING GOP NEEDS A NEW BATTLE CRY!
 
NA REPUBLICANS IN A SHAMBLES AFTER 12-DISTRICT SWEEP!
 
Shell-shocked Republicans yesterday woke up to find their once proud political machine in shambles and in desperate need of 12-step program for recovering Pitman-haters.
 
It isn't that Republicans lost another election that they'd figured to win. But they were swept in every election district for the second consecutive cycle! In the last three cycles, local Republicans have lost six of the seven contested council seats along with the office of mayor. In two years, Republicans have gone from 7-0 dominance to 0-7 irrelevance! Read More

 

Dems take NA


Election results: North Arlington


Dems sweep North Arlington election


Mayor Russ Pitman's Letter To Borough Taxpayers


A Message from Mayor Pitman to the Citizens of North Arlington


Voter Info: Print out and take with you to polls


"THE PERKS" OF PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT: EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS COST NA TAXPAYERS $1,781,904 A YEAR! AVERAGE COST PER EMPLOYEE WITH FAMILY COVERAGE NOW $914 PER MONTH!  

$10,968 A YEAR TO COVER BOROUGH EMPLOYEE AND FAMILY COURTESY OF TAXPAYERS!

NORTH ARLINGTON - In documentation secured by NA TODAY, the borough's workforce enjoy some of the most generous health benefit plans on the market with no co-payment. Read More


A big raise for a friend of the boss
Six workers at the Bergen County Utilities Authority got some early Christmas cheer last week.
Read More

N. Arlington mayor: 'No new taxes'

NORTH ARLINGTON - Mayor Russell Pitman stepped behind an old, brown podium in front of a packed house at the North Arlington High School auditorium and said the words residents have been waiting years to hear. Read More


PARTISAN DEMONSTRATION SO "OUT-OF-CONTROL" FORCES COUNTY POLICE TO RECOMMEND MEETING CANCELLATION

BOROUGH EMPLOYEES, OUT-OF-TOWN DEMONSTRATORS SHOUT OBSCENITIES AT MAYOR, BOROUGH ATTORNEY!

RUMORS PREVAIL OVER BOROUGH'S MISMANAGED FINANCES!

"APPOINTED" HERRMANN STIRS PARTISAN POT, RALLIES CROWD TO SUPPORT MORE SPENDING, HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES!

MAYOR'S WIFE ESCORTED AWAY FROM ANGRY MOB!

NORTH ARLINGTON - In what has to be described as a bizarre turn of events that became increasingly uglier by the minute, angry out-of-town demonstrators joined out-of-control partisans in protesting Mayor Russ Pitman's plans to review borough expenditures and hopefully, control increasing property taxes.

It was Pitman's plan to have a sober and frank discussion of the borough's finances which would have included a prepared presentation from the Borough CFO and Auditor. According to sources, Bergen County undercover police officers made the assessment that going through with the meeting could compromise the peace. Read More


Jerseyans to state: Cut us a break

Anger over taxes sparked the American Revolution. Since then, their popularity hasn't exactly improved.

A recent poll by The Record shows that more than one in three North Jerseyans cite taxes as the worst problem they face.Read More


 

North Arlington Is On The Right Track

Let's keep it that way! Click Here


 

DEMOCRATS SELL UTILITY, REPUBLICANS CALL FOR TRIPLING OF WATER RATES, HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES!

GOP Partisans stack meeting in effort stop Pitman from governing!

NORTH ARLINGTON - The Borough Council voted Monday night 3-1 to sell the borough's aging water utility that would require millions in repair and upgrades.

The vote was along party lines with Democrats Roche, Shaftan and Ferriero voting yes and outgoing Republican Joseph Whittles voting no.
 
By selling the utility, North Arlington will receive $4.3 million dollars of which $1 million will be used to offset property taxes. Pitman's plan to stabilize municipal taxes marks the first time in seven years that municipal taxes will not increase. Read More

An NA TODAY Exclusive:

OUTGOING WHITTLES, EX-CANDIDATE HEINZMANN NOW RUNNING CAMPAIGN FOR FITZHENRY, GILLIS AND PIMPINELLI

LAME DUCK WHITTLES CAN'T MAKE COUNCIL MEETINGS, BUT HAS PLENTY OF TIME FOR POLITICS!

FORMER CANDIDATE HEINZMANN CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN, WHERE'S LENNY?

NORTH ARLINGTON - Four-term Republican Councilman Joseph Whittles, who has the worst attendance record of any member of the governing body is now the treasurer for the Republican ticket he abandoned some two months ago. Read More


Editorial:

The Few. The Angry. The Bitter.

"THE PITMAN HATERS"

They congregate online at NJ.com's North Arlington Forum and post anti-Pitman rhetoric on the hour. They not only attack Pitman, but his wife, his children and just about anyone associated with the Democratic Party. Nasty, personal attacks on Councilwoman Carey Shaftan were so crude decorum prevents us from repeating them here.
 
They have denigrated the democratic process to a point that many citizens simply stay away from council meetings. They swarm the council chamber early to occupy literally every seat.
 
They have decided that public meetings will be nothing more than a replication of The Jerry Springer Show.
 
To many Democrats and citizens, they're known as "The Pitman Haters."
 
Since Democrats assumed a working majority of the North Arlington Borough Council for the first time in two decades, a band of fifty or so partisans have decided to take democracy hostage. Read More

 

Election guide: North Arlington

Candidates and Issues for the Borough of North Arlington Read More


Letters:

Praise from across the political aisle:

Subject: New Tax Bill
 
Russ:  
 
You did it with the municipal tax rate.
 
Congratulations and  thanks.
 
Jim Herrmann (the old one)
 
Editor's Note: This above email was sent to Mayor Russ Pitman from the father of former GOP Republican Councilman James Herrmann. 

Mayor Russ Pitman's comments on the sale of the borough's water utility:

Tonight this Mayor and Council are introducing the Ordinance which will allow us to sell the Water Department to Passaic Valley Water Commission.

I have been asked a number of questions concerning this sale and believe that they should be answered.

First and most important question is "Why is the Water Department being sold to the Passaic Valley Water Commission". First and foremost we believe that the residents of the Borough must be assured the best and highest quality water delivery to their homes; and we believe this sale insures it. Read More

"CITIZEN KAISER"

EX-MAYOR TRIES TO REDEFINE FISCAL FAILURES ON HIS WATCH, CLAIMS TO BE "PRIVATE CITIZEN" WHILE HEAD OF BCUA, MEMBER OF NJMC AND REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN!
 
NORTH ARLINGTON - He's the Executive Director of the Bergen County Utilities Authority,  the county's most coveted patronage appointment. He earns in excess of $110,000 a year and was appointed by Governor Jim McGreevey to the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC), a prized political appointment. His wife is a highly paid county employee and political insider. He's the Republican Municipal Chairman who chose this year's candidates for borough council. He continues to be the most influential Republican in North Arlington, yet ex-mayor Len Kaiser now says he "wants to get on with life as a private citizen." Read More

Letters

"As a registered Republican for nearly five decades, I consider myself a fiscal conservative with traditional family values"
 
Louis Gallo
 
Former Councilman
 
Borough of North Arlington

A letter from one of North Arlington's finest and most respected citizens concerning the future of North Arlington and all that is at stake on election day. Read More

 


An NA Today Exclusive:
"NO MUNICIPAL TAX INCREASE!"
 

SALE OF WATER UTILITY ENSURES A STABILIZED TAX RATE IN 2005, MUNICIPAL SPENDING WILL DECREASE $65,202, EXPENDITURES DECREASE $441,678, $1 MILLION OF UTILITY SALE WILL BE USED TO CLOSE BUDGET DEFICIT!

NORTH ARLINGTON - Amendments to the 2005 North Arlington municipal budget will result in a no tax increase for homeowners should the governing body adopt the revised spending plan next week according to sources within the Pitman Administration.
 
The revisions and amendments being proposed will avert a municipal tax increase for the first time in six years. Homeowners will see a dramatic adjustment of the estimated tax bills sent earlier this summer. Read More

An NA TODAY Exclusive:

THE $99 MILLION DOLLAR LIE!

OFFICIAL AUDIT REPORT REVEALS ESTIMATED BOOK VALUE OF WATER UTILITY AT $257,078.69, AUDIT WAS CONDUCTED BY KAISER APPOINTEE!

WHO AUTHORED GOP FLYER CLAIMING UTILITY VALUED AT $100 MILLION?

PITMAN CALLS FOR APOLOGY TO VOTERS AND HOMEOWNERS!
 
NORTH ARLINGTON - A Republican flyer mailed last week was exposed as one big lie today when official audit reports show the actual value of the borough's water utility at $257,078.
 
In a letter dated September 16th, Municipal Auditor Edward P. Rees referred to the municipal audit conducted by a Republican appointed auditor, Brian Buckley.
 

According to the audits conducted by Buckley, the estimated book value of the water utility as of December 31, 2002 was a mere $61,879. The value increased to $257,078 as per the second audit conducted by Buckley ending December 21, 2003. Read More


Letters:

North Arlington Must Not Go Back

The issue of property taxes is without question the single most important issue facing North Arlington homeowners this election year. Read More


Editorial:

A DEBATE OVER DEBATES!

WILL GILLIS, FITZHENRY AND PIMPINELLI DEBATE THE DEMOCRATS?
 
HAVE A CABLE DEBATE, LET THE AREA NEWSPAPERS ASK THE QUESTIONS!
 
According to Comcast Cable, partisan stalwart and Kaiser confidante James Bocchino dropped off copies of taped council meetings for public access broadcast. The crude tape has been running regularly for about a month.
 
It's funny, but in the 22 years Republicans controlled local government, Mr. Bocchino never had the need to send tapes of meetings to the cable provider! What a difference a 3-1 Democratic majority makes! Read More

Editorial:

WHERE'S THE PLATFORM?

FITZHENRY, GILLIS AND PIMPINELLI OPPOSE ZERO TAX INCREASE, SALE OF WATER UTILITY AND MUNICIPAL LAYOFFS
 
WHAT DO THEY SUPPORT? WHAT WILL THEY DO?
 
McDERMOTT EQUALLY EVASIVE...
 
The campaign for three council seats has been a big snooze.
 
While Democrats work the streets and search for votes, the Republicans seem content in opposing Mayor Pitman for the sake of being against him rather than taking a responsible position themselves. Independent George McDermott seems to believe writing letters to the local papers that say little about what he would actually do will somehow translate to victory.
 
It's time for the Republicans and Mr. McDermott to take a stand.
 
They oppose municipal layoffs. They all oppose a budget that doesn't increase municipal taxes for the first time in six years. They oppose the sale of the water utility. Read More

Big Plans from Independent Candidate George McDermott.

Where Would All the Money Come From Needed to Fund the Candidate's Visions?


Editorial:

THE PUBLIC DESERVES A DEBATE.

ALL SEVEN CANDIDATES FOR BOROUGH COUNCIL SHOULD SIGN A PLEDGE TO MEET IN PUBLIC, THE VOTERS DESERVE NOTHING LESS!
 
This year's race for three council seats will be more lively than most.
 
With three Democrats and three Republicans vying for the three open seats, the voters also have the option in selecting an independent as well. Read More

North Arlington selling water utility to Passaic Valley


Water sale plan angers crowd


Letters

North Arlington Must Not Go Back

The issue of property taxes is without question the single most important issue facing North Arlington homeowners this election year. Read More


WHITTLES: DOUBLE THE WATER RATES!

LAME DUCK COUNCILMAN OPPOSES SALE OF WATER UTILITY TO REDUCE SPENDING AND STABILIZE TAXES!

NORTH ARLINGTON - Outgoing Republican Councilman Joseph Whittles called on Democrats to double water rates rather than reap the benefit of millions in a potential sale of the water utility which would wipe out this year's estimated tax increase.

Whittles, a four-term member of the council and only Republican characterized the sale as a rush to judgment and would rather double water rates and raise taxes. Read More


BOSS KAISER SAYS COUNTY COMMITTEE HAS FILLED KING VACANCY WITH POLITICAL UNKNOWN!

DEMOCRATS EXPECTED TO CHALLENGE KAISER APPOINTMENT!

KAISER: "WE EXPECT MR. GILLIS TO BE SWORN IN IMMEDIATELY..."
 
NORTH ARLINGTON - GOP party boss and ex-mayor Leonard Kaiser continued his collision course with homeowners by claiming the GOP Municipal Committee has appointed political unknown Kurt Gillis to the unexpired term of former Councilwoman Susan King. Read More

NA GOP BEGINS SMEAR CAMPAIGN ON 9/11, ATTACKS MAYOR PITMAN FOR TRYING TO STABILIZE PROPERTY TAXES & CONTROL SPENDING!

REPUBLICANS CALL FOR DOUBLING & TRIPLING OF WATER RATES WHILE INCREASING PROPERTY TAXES A RECORD 7TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR!

CLAIM WATER UTILITY IS WORTH $100 MILLION DOLLARS!

NORTH ARLINGTON - Determined to return to power no matter what the consequence, local Republicans unleashed a smear campaign on Mayor Russ Pitman claiming the borough's water utility is worth $100 million dollars.
 
The attack piece found its way in the mail on Saturday, September 11th, the third anniversary of the attack on America which led to the destruction of the World Trade Center and the murder of some 3,000 innocent victims.
 
Most campaigns suspend this kind of negative campaigning in observance of those who were killed in this attack on the homeland. Read More

PITMAN, DEMOCRATS PASS "NO TAX" INCREASE BUDGET 3-0, WHITTLES A NO-SHOW!

2005 BUDGET ENSURES NO MUNICIPAL TAX INCREASE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 6 YEARS!
 
REPUBLICANS OPPOSE BUDGET, OPPOSE WATER SALE, CALL FOR TRIPLING OF WATER RATES TO KEEP UTILITY!
 
NORTH ARLINGTON - For the first time in six years, North Arlington homeowners will not receive a municipal tax increase. Read More

SPANOLA, MASSA & TANELLI SUPPORT MAYOR'S BID TO CONTROL SPENDING & STABILIZE PROPERTY TAXES, OPPOSE DOUBLING OF WATER RATES!


Council vacancy dispute could land in court


"McDERMOTT'S FOLLY"

REFUSES TO TAKE STAND ON ANY ISSUE, MAY HAVE VIOLATED ELEC GUIDELINES!
 
REPUBLICANS REMAIN MUM, PERIOD!
 
NORTH ARLINGTON - The campaign of borough dispatcher George McDermott released a campaign flyer that said little, and could be in violation of the state's ELEC guidelines for disclosure.
 
"Paid for lines in any campaign literature should identify who is paying for the flyer along with an address or name of the campaign treasurer. McDermott's flyer does none of the above," said one Democrat upon reviewing the document. Read More

LET THE CAMPAIGN BEGIN!

Democratic activist Rocco Mazza of Lyndhurst (left) chats with United States Senator Jon Corzine at the annual Labor Day Street Fair in Rutherford. Labor Day traditionally kicks off the campaign season. Local elections will be held in Lyndhurst, North Arlington, East Rutherford and Rutherford.

Mazza, a 1999 candidate for the NJ Assembly is currently heading media relations for the county of Bergen. Corzine is heading the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC).


Kaiser, NA Republicans choose Gillis, Pimpinelli and Cimmino for King vacancy!
 
Fitzhenry only candidate on GOP ticket not chosen for vacancy!
 
Democrats must pick one to serve unexpired term till December 31st
 
NORTH ARLINGTON - In a letter dated August 12th, GOP political boss Leonard R. Kaiser indicated the North Arlington GOP Municipal Committee has nominated candidates Kurt Gillis and Thomas Pimpinelli for the vacancy created by the resignation of former Councilwoman Susan King. The third nominee is Julius Cimmino, a relative of former Councilman Frank Caputo and a former municipal employee. Read More

Council Candidate Phil Spanola

"North Arlington needs elected officials who understand the value of building working relationships with Republicans and Independents" Read More


N.A.'s GOP slate changes

BOCCHINO SPINS GOP RHETORIC!

KING FINALLY RESIGNS

N. Arlington GOP rounds out slate

Drop the politics, help N. Arlington

Interview with Steve Tanelli

NA TODAY recently spoke with Steve Tanelli, the borough's Recreation Director and candidate for Borough Council. We asked Steve a series of wide ranging questions on the Recreation Department and his objectives as Recreation Director. Read More


NA REPUBLICANS REPLACE WHITTLES, HEINZMANN WITH FITZHENRY & GILLIS
 
GOP SCHOOL TRUSTEE, PARTY LOYALIST TAPPED BY KAISER TO FILL TICKET!
 
NORTH ARLINGTON - A member of the North Arlington Board of Education and an unknown party loyalist have been chosen by GOP party boss Len Kaiser to replace incumbent Councilman Joe Whittles and volunteer fireman Brian Heinzmann (click here - see vacancy committee certification). Read More

Scorecard needed in N. Arlington


Eye On North Arlington:

MORE REPUBLICAN CHAOS

Something close to hatred of Mayor Russ Pitman and the local Democrats seems to drive the NA Republican Party.

Unfortunately, that feeling is driving the Republicans off a cliff!
 

In less than two years, North Arlington voters have rejected four long-time GOP incumbents in Len Kaiser, Charles Belmonte, Frank Caputo and James Herrmann. Mr. Herrmann would find himself rejected again in the span of six months with his illegal appointment to the vacancy of James Ward who resigned without explanation. Read More


An NA TODAY Exclusive

 

WHITTLES & HEINZMANN DROPOUT OF RACE FOR NORTH ARLINGTON COUNCIL!

FOUR-TERM INCUMBENT CALLS IT QUITS, WILL SERVE TILL DECEMBER 31ST!

NORTH ARLINGTON - Rumor and speculation became reality today when incumbent Republican Councilman Joseph Whittles ended his bid for a fifth term and asked Bergen County Clerk Kathy Donovan to have his named removed from the November 2, general election ballot. Read More
"SPANOLA LEADS THE WAY"


Jersey City Police officer Phil Spanola (center) escorts Massachusetts Senator and 1960 presidential candidate John Fitzgerald Kennedy to the stage at the Jersey City Armory.
 
Kennedy, who sported a bad back most of his adult life is holding the left arm of Spanola while being escorted by some of the state's most important political figures. Read More

Interview with Council Candidate Peter Massa

Candidate Peter Massa has an impressive record of public service as a law enforcement officer, school trustee and teacher. NAToday questions Massa and the candidate's thoughtful responses are worth reading. Learn more about this North Arlington resident running for council. Read More


An NA TODAY EXCLUSIVE: NA REPUBLICAN CLUB CONTINUES TO RAKE IN DONATIONS FROM ENCAP LAWYERS, BUILDERS, FIRST BYTE!

"AND THE BAND PLAYED ON..." Entertainer turns Candidate

North Arlington GOP should stir

"CHAOS" WITHIN THE GOP!

CANDIDATE HEINZMANN SIGNS McDERMOTT'S PETITION! IS HE NOT SUPPORTING WHITTLES?
 
DOZENS OF MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES SIGN McDERMOTT'S PETITION INCLUDING POLICE CHIEF, POLICE OFFICERS AND OTHER BOROUGH WORKERS!
 
DEMOCRATS WELCOME McDERMOTT'S CANDIDACY!
 
NORTH ARLINGTON - In what has to be regarded as one of the most unusual twists in local politics, GOP council nominee Brian Heinzmann signed the petition of independent candidate George McDermott, a borough employee.Read More

2004 NORTH ARLINGTON PRIMARY RESULTS:

Read More


An NA Today Exclusive:
 

KING, HERRMANN DROP OUT OF NA COUNCIL RACE, REPLACED BY NEWCOMERS PIPINELLI & HEINZMANN

DEMOCRATS TAP MASSA, SPANOLA AND TANELLI!

Questions continue to swirl over Ward vacancy!

NORTH ARLINGTON - Four-term Councilwoman Susan King will not seek a fifth term and has been replaced on the 2004 GOP ticket by newcomer Brian Heinzmann who will join incumbent Joe Whittles. Thomas Pipinelli will seek the unexpired term of former Councilman James A. Ward. Read More


McDermott not real independent

MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEE FILES AS INDEPENDENT IN RACE FOR BOROUGH COUNCIL

2004 Democratic Candidates for Borough Council

2004 REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR BOROUGH COUNCIL & MUNICIPAL COMMITTEE