Council Campaign 2008:
NA DEMOCRATS HIT THE STREETS!
Registering voters and talking issues with taxpayers,
feedback is positive as residents see North Arlington now going in the
"right" direction!
NORTH
ARLINGTON - Want a chance to speak with Mayor Pete Massa?
You'll
find him shaking hands and speaking with residents every Saturday morning in
front of the Post Office at Ridge Park Drive along with Council President
Steve Tanelli and former Councilman Mark Yampaglia, the Democratic ticket
endorsed by Massa.
"We need Steve Tanelli re-elected and Mark
Yampaglia elected back to the council. If not for the actions of Steve as
well as Mark, Arlington Valley would have been
constrcuted and the Porete Avenue business community would have had their
companies seized through eminent domain. I need a team that wants to stop EnCap once and for all," observed the retired police sergeant and life-long
resident.
Councilman
Al Granell, who is serving as campaign manager was also in attendance as was
club president Ken Ludvisken to assist the candidates in registering new voters
and spreading the word about this year's "zero
tax" increase budget!
"The
residents have been very supportive. They appreciate the time and energy Mayor
Massa puts into the job and his commitment to keeping
North Arlington small, safe and suburban. When was the last time you saw an
elected Republican take the time to meet voters? When was the last time you saw
a mayor such as this reach out to homeowners?" queried Granell, a Ridge
Road resident.
Tanelli,
who was elected in 2004 and re-elected in 2005 says he's committed to knocking on every door in town to secure a third term
of office.
"It's
hard work, but the people expect me to be
accessible and answer the tough questions. While we stabilized property
taxes this year, the challenge is to stabilize taxes permanently by building a
consensus for redevelopment. We know what we don't want, the time has come to
focus on what makes sense for North Arlington," said Tanelli.
On
the issue of property taxes, Yampaglia was optimistic.
In
2005 we stabilized the rate. In 2006 property taxes were actually lowered. The
problem we faced in 2007 was a dependence on EnCap for immediate revenue in lieu
of property taxes. That problem has now been
solved and the only question before us is how do we best make usage of these
parcels in a post EnCap reality?" questioned the former councilman.
Democrats
were delighted by the strong, "grass roots" support from neighboring
tenants and seniors who wished Mayor Massa good luck and the candidates well.
"It's
nice to see two young men running," said one Ridge Park senior. We need
new blood. We need people who are educated and understand how to run the
government. They seem like nice people."
One
resident asked Tanelli if they'll be a debate between the candidates.
"We have requested a debate. A registered letter
was sent to Jimmy Bocchino. Let's see what happens," observed Granell.
For
more information about the Democratic candidates or the campaign, contact
Council President Steve Tanelli at (973) 985-9185. If you would like to donate
to the campaign or would like a sign, you can contact Democratic Chairman Nick
Antonicello at
