NA DEMOCRATS ENDORSE PASCRELL FOR RECORD 15TH TERM IN JUNE PRIMARY!

Balwierczak, Yampaglia praise long term legislator for his commitment to public safety, bipartisan approach to public service

NORTH ARLINGTON – The North Arlington Democratic Municipal Committee along with local council candidates John Balwierczak and John Yampaglia have endorsed the fourteen-term US House member for a record 15th term of office.

Pascrell, who has represented North Arlington in the US House of Representatives since 2013, was praised by local Democrats “as the right choice for homeowners, taxpayers, tenants, seniors and working families” that will ensure North Arlington is represented “capably and responsibly” in the Halls of Congress.

“Rep. Pascrell’s long record of public service at the municipal, state and federal levels has no peer. As a former mayor, state legislator and member of the US House of Representatives, his seniority and membership on the House Way’s & Means Committee makes him one of the most influential members despite being in a razor thin minority,” offered both Balwierczak and Yampaglia.

Pascrell is being challenged by Prospect Mayor Mohamed Khairullah in the June Primary and perennial GOP candidate Billy Prempeh, who was defeated by Pascrell in 2020 and again in 2022.

Prempeh is a strong supporter of Donald J Trump, who as a developer tried to saddle North Arlington with the failed housing scheme known as EnCap, that would have constructed some 1,600 units of low income housing in the North Arlington Meadowlands parcels. A project that collapsed under strong opposition by local Democrats as EnCap tried to impose eminent domain seizure on property owners along Porete Avenue.

Local Republicans such as Councilman Brian Fitzhenry (R) who is seeking reelection was an enthusiastic supporter of the failed housing proposal.

A 1959 graduate of Fordham University, Pascrell earned his BA and MA from the New York City Jesuit college. Pascrell also served in the US Army and US Army reserves from 1958-1967. An advocate for public education, Pascrell also served as a member of the Passaic County Community College Board of Trustees and as President of the Paterson Board of Education.

A former high school teacher and adjunct professor, Pascrell served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1988-1997 and as Mayor of Paterson from 1990-1997. Pascrell resigned from both posts on January 3rd, 1997 after defeating one-term GOP incumbent William Martini to represent the 8th Congressional District.

In 2012 the 8th district was abolished through congressional reapportionment and Pascrell began representing North Arlington in January of 2013 and has continued to do so for the last eleven years.

“The choice for congress is an easy one. Bill Pascrell is a people person. He is accessible, capable and gets the job done. He listens to his constituents and places public policy over partisan politics. We strongly endorse his reelection as our nominee,” offered Nick Antonicello, the longtime local Democratic leader.

Both Balwierczak and Yampaglia are continuing their door to door efforts and will be canvassing for Pascrell for his re-nomination.

“North Arlington could not have a better friend than Rep. Pascrell. He is the best choice and we will do all we can to ensure an easy primary victory,” offered the Democratic council candidates.

The North Arlington Democrats will be meeting on Wednesday, April 24th at 7PM at the North Arlington Diner located at River Road and the Belleville Turnpike and all supportive residents are invited to attend and light refreshments will be served.