Republican Mayor says “No mas” to Forum and Discussion on the Issues that Matter!

North Arlington – In what many believed would be the eventual outcome to this endless and senseless discussion about debates, Mayor Dan Pronti who has no actual title or role in the GOP campaign has informed the Democrats that Councilman Kirk Del Russo, Lynette Cavadas and Donna Bocchino, the daughter of the actual Campaign Chairman James “Jimmy” Bocchino were bailing out less than 24 hours before the scheduled debate at the VFW Hall on River Road.

“Obviously we’re disappointed, but not surprised. Mayor Pronti’s obsession of making unreasonable demands and trying to turn the event into a three-ring circus versus a sober and rationale discussion of the issues tells us he was simply concerned to exposing his hand-picked candidates to an impartial audience with a moderator who had no stake in the results. Somehow, that didn’t work for him,” said the Democrats in a prepared statement.

Councilman Mark Yampaglia was also concerned for voters who would have benefited from such a forum.

“If we can’t come together for something this simple, what does that say about the status of responsible two-party governance here in the Borough?” questioned the four-term Democrat.

Municipal Chairman Nick Antonicello echoed similar sentiments.

“This refusal to debate tells us the lengths this Republican Party will go to avoid a side by side discussion of the issues. They don’t believe in healthy local democracy. They want and desire one-party rule with the Mayor calling all the shots,” offered the 43-year resident and retired labor leader.

“You get the feeling that the proverbial “man behind the curtain” would not accept something bipartisan and reasonable. His candidates were mum and said nothing about ever campaigning. The only person seemingly allowed to have an opinion is someone who has no official capacity in the GOP effort,” noted Antonicello.

Newcomers Thomas Hurley and Frank Marfino were equally disappointed, but not shocked by the last minute cancellation by Pronti.

“The Borough Council is a legislative body and the Mayor is the chief executive. Those powers are separate and equal. The Mayor wants a complete monopoly on the council and nothing but a 7-0 majority is his goal and objective. This is disturbing to a thriving local government and a true discussion on the issues North Arlington really wants to talk about,” noted the Democratic challengers that were recently endorsed by the New Jersey AFL-CIO.

Democrats will continue to walk door to door and reach as many voters as possible.

“Pronti’s misguided cancelation and unilateral disruption of this debate tells people what he’s really thinking. He wants a monologue, not a dialogue. He wants unchecked power and approval and will do anything to get it, including this disruption of a civic event that most voters regardless of political party and persuasion want and support.”