Judge asked to reconsider North Arlington ruling

Superior Court Judge Robert Wilson has been asked to reconsider his ruling last week to replace a mayor who died in office after a majority of the twenty Republican County Committee members in North Arlington said the never made to select a replacement candidate.

A decision could come as early as tomorrow.

Mayor Joseph Bianchi passed away last Wednesday.  Two days later, Republican Municipal Chairman John Bratowicz was in court asking that Wilson remove Bianchi from the ballot and replace him with Daniel Pronti, a councilman.

But a meeting of the county committee, seemingly required under state election laws to name a new candidate, never actually took place.

Barbara Kaiser, the Republican Municipal Vice Chair, submitted an affidavit to the court saying that Bratowicz did not hold a meeting.  Twelve county committee members reportedly said they never attended a meeting.

If Wilson declines to reconsider in light of new information, the issue is likely headed to the Appellate court.

Voting has already begun, with several voters completing vote-by-mail ballots prior to Bianchi’s death.

Funeral services for the late mayor were held this morning.