Letter to the editor: Inglesino wrong about Highlands Coalition

Frank L. Cahill
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Letter to the editor: Inglesino wrong about Highlands Coalition

Dear Editor:

Pasippany-Troy Hills Township Attorney John Inglesino said Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Highlands Water Protection & Planning Act and Affordable Housing was no longer valid.

He is wrong. COAH does have environmental policies like leaving steep slopes, or properties on list for open space. Highlands would make even stronger where housing goes. Parsippany was in a state of conformance from July 2010-June 2014.

Waterview could of been put on a “checklist” to give it the expected highlands protection during the time. Our own steep slope ordinance Master Plan Goals 2, 7, 10, Troy Brook study all could of made Citizens Goal possible. Forge Pond also would of been gotten in the same manner. Being in complete regional master plan conformance also brings legal shields from developers lawsuits and brings more transparency and citizens participation if they want it..

Also told by UPS person they paid $6 million for the property in Morris Corporate Park, so why would they go to Georgia, plus they got the PILOT deal. Barberio had to allow more office space to be built, to validate his claim to have more occupied. He thinks he’s some great job creator instead of making sure our Municipal workforce is doing their jobs and enforcing ordinances. He never noticed or cared about the conditions on North Beverwyck. Recycling is still not according to the law either all too many establishments ignore or have no disciple in this this. 

Nick Homyak

From Highlands Coalition on MOU…

In 2008 soon after the RMP was adopted Governor Corzine issued Executive Order #114 that among other things directed COAH and the Highlands Council to fairly balance the needs to promulgate affordable housing as stipulated by the Fair Housing Acts, with natural resource protections for the Highlands Region, as stipulated in the Highlands Act. Accordingly, once the memorandum of understanding was signed, the Highlands Build Out reports (a required conformance module), which calculated the ultimate development potential of a town, including the number of affordable units, would be considered as certified by COAH. Across the state muni’s were as freaked then as they are today with the prospect of being forced to reconcile their Constitutional obligations under the Fair Housing Act. Almost all Highlands muni’s, even those who had viciously opposed the Highlands Act, were clawing past each other to file Notice’s of Intent to Conform to the Highlands Regional Master Plan with the Highlands Council. Corzine had issued additional Exec Order that stated that by merely filing a NOI, they could choose between the build-out under their current zoning to determine their AF numbers, or the Highlands. And in almost all cases the Highlands numbers were significantly lower.

The Fair Share Housing Center immediately challenged the MOU in Court. But, the RMP and the MOU were upheld. I’ve attached the FSHC challenge and Judge Skillman’s decision. The FSHC brief includes a copy of the MOU in its appendix.

Letter to the editor: DeCroce Practicing Gutter Politics

Frank L. Cahill
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Letter to the editor: DeCroce Practicing Gutter Politics

Dear Editor:

Republican candidate for Assembly in New Jersey’s 26th District, John Cesaro called on BettyLou DeCroce to “stop relying on half-truths and innuendo to hide from her own shortcomings and talk about issues.”

A day after Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce attempted to turn what one official called “a paperwork snafu” into a campaign issue John Cesaro is fighting back.

Cesaro said, “My campaign has been an issues focused campaign and I’d like to keep it that way, but I will not allow BettyLou DeCroce’s continued cheap shots to go unanswered.”

Cesaro campaign manager Steve Kush added, “If DeCroce wants to attempt to make a paperwork snafu about character, fine, let’s compare the character of the candidates. Unlike DeCroce, John Cesaro never used his position of influence to get lighter duty for a relative performing community service. DeCroce has yet to explain what connections she may have used to make that incident go away.”

Kush asked, “Does DeCroce forget the fact that while she was the township clerk in Roxbury she requested a defendant serving community service do that service in her office? Does she forget that defendant was her nephew? Does she forget that her defendant nephew was, according to news accounts, ‘completing a juvenile probationary sentence for a minor role he had in a locker room sex scandal’ at the time she was getting him an easier community service assignment?” 

“It didn’t require knowledge of the law to understand defendants were, and still are, prohibited from serving community service in a place where a relative held a position of influence. Commonsense would tell any reasonable person that,” Cesaro explained. “And, BettyLou DeCroce exercised about as much commonsense in Roxbury as she did in voting for the gas tax.”

“Because she is a part of a culture in Trenton that has gotten New Jersey into the mess we are in, I suspect BettyLou DeCroce will continue to try to drag this campaign into the gutter, and that’s her choice,” Cesaro said. “And, while I will defend myself from her constant cheap shots, I will also continue to offer ideas that can lead to solutions to make New Jersey safer by fixing the failing bail reform law, making school funding more fair to suburban districts and working to reduce the gas tax.”

Steve Kush 

Source: Daily Record February 25, 2006; Daily Record December 16, 2005

 

 

 

Morris County Freeholders Honor Military Veterans at Memorial Day Ceremony

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Freeholders Honor Military Veterans at Memorial Day Ceremony

MORRIS COUNTY—  Military veterans from across Morris County, and representing a host of military conflicts from World War II and Vietnam to Operation Iraqi Freedom, were honored today at Morris County’s Memorial Day ceremony, which was sponsored by the Morris County Board of Freeholders and conducted on the lawn of the historic County Courthouse in Morristown.

One of the honorees was U.S. Army and World War II veteran John McDermott of Denville, who served in Japan at the conclusion of the war, and today received his long-awaited World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation –Japan medal.

The medal was presented to him by fellow World War II veteran Hjalmar Johansson, an Air Force veteran and former German prisoner of war. Johannson, a Montville resident, was today’s keynote speaker.

“We in Morris County honor those Americans who have served in the armed forces and honor those Americans who have given their lives while serving,’’ Freeholder Director Doug Cabana said at the event. “President Harry Truman once said, ‘our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.’’’

Freeholders Cabana, Hank Lyon, Tom Mastrangelo and John Cesaro were joined at the event by Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll, Sheriff James Gannon, Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp,   and Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz.

The county’s Memorial Day ceremony featured the freeholders presenting the Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal to the eight honored Morris County veterans in recognition of their service to our nation.   

The full list of honorees include:

  • George Briscoe, Budd Lake, U.S. Navy. 2001-2004
  • Loris Clarke, Kenvil, U.S. Army, 1992-95
  • Louis Bodian, Morristown, U.S. Army, 1969-71
  • Eugene Lemoncelli, Dover, U.S. Marine Corps, 1954-57
  • Kenneth Gorman, Mount Hope, U.S. Air Force, 1965-71
  • Christopher Orr, Wharton, U.S. Army, 1974-89
  • Paul Vico, Morris Plains, U.S. Army, 1969-70
  • John McDermott, Denville, U.S. Army, 1946-47

The county’s Distinguished Service Medal is unique to Morris County and features the county seal encircled with the words, “Morris County Distinguished Military Service,” on the front.  An outline of the county and the American flag is on the back of the medal, along with the words, “Morris County Freeholders Military Commemorative.”

Each medal’s striped ribbon is the color of the specific conflict during which the veteran served.

Since the freeholders began the program in 2000, nearly 10,000 medals have been presented to veterans or to their family members.

During World War II Hjalmar Johansson was assigned to a heavy bomber crew of B-24s, as a nose gunner, with the 15th Air Force, 461st Bomb Group, Squadron 767. In December 1944, during a mission to take out a refinery in Poland, his plane encountered German fighter planes, engaged in battle, was badly damaged, and eventually crashed in Austria.

He was able to bail out. However, while some of his crew were saved by Romanian partisans, he was captured by the German Army and became a prisoner of war for six months, until liberated by the Soviet Army.

His story is chronicled in a History Channel in a video entitled “A Leap of Faith.’’

As for McDermott, he has long been eligible for his World War II medals but he never received them after service – possibly due to bureaucratic snafu. His daughter contacted Morris County Veterans’ Office last year and they interceded to contact the Army and arranged to have the medals sent to her.

The ceremony featured the Marine Corps Color Guard, Golf Co, 2nd Battalion, 25th Regiment from Picatinny Arsenal; the Morris County Sheriff’s Department Color Guard; an invocation by Rev. Sydney Williams, Bethel AME Church, in Morristown; and patriotic songs by the Lakeview School Select Chorus of Denville.

Bagpipes were played by Sergeant Matt Potter and Captain Robert McNally of the Prosecutor’s office, and the wreath laying featured retired County Veterans’ Services Officer Charles Jurgensen and Gary Zakrzeski.

To view the full program click here.

PHS Environmental Club organized and hosted annual grounds cleanup

Frank L. Cahill
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PHS Environmental Club organized and hosted annual grounds cleanup
Poster Designed by Corinne Troccoli, Artist from Morris Knolls High School

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Environmental Club organized and hosted the annual grounds cleanup: Slam Dunk the Junk-Keep Morris County Litter Free, on May 10.

This is a state-wide campaign and held by the New Jersey Clean Communities Program and sponsored by the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority.

PHS Environmental Club advisors Nancy Lennon and Kelly Garbarino, club President Sean Callaghan, Vice President Daniela Rengifo Marmolejo, Secretary Caitlin Ford, and many PHS students collected garbage and beautified the school grounds for over two hours, resulting in multiple bags of garbage and recyclables being collected. Refreshments for the effort were supplied by the PHS PTSA and were very much appreciated.

The PHS Environmental Club will be receiving a $500 grant for participating in this campaign and will use the money to buy necessary equipment to further recycling programs at PHS.

According to Liz Sweedy, Morris County Clean Communities coordinator, “Keep Morris County Litter Free” is part of the “Slam Dunk the Junk” statewide initiative sponsored by the New Jersey Clean Communities Council, which focuses on conducting litter cleanups, enforcing anti-litter regulations and changing the attitudes of “litterbugs” through education.

 

DeCroce: Parsippany’s Chief Municipal Prosecutor Cesaro ineligible to practice Law

Frank L. Cahill
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DeCroce: Parsippany’s Chief Municipal Prosecutor Cesaro ineligible to practice Law

PARSIPPANY — Two weeks before the June primary, news broke on Tuesday that Morris County Deputy Freeholder Director John Cesaro has been ineligible to practice law since October 21, 2016 but still continued to handle cases. Cesaro is a Chief Prosecutor in Parsippany, and also serves in Essex Fells, Hanover, North Caldwell and Rockaway Township.

Incumbent Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, one of Cesaro’s opponent in the primary released a statement and a link to the state Supreme Court order saying Cesaro had been administratively ineligible since October 2016 over his failure to register for the Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA). Attorneys are required to register annually with the IOLTA fund (Rule 1:28A).

Since 1989, the IOLTA Fund has awarded grants of more than $400 million to Legal Services of New Jersey, the New Jersey State Bar Foundation and 134 other non-profit, 501(c) 3 organizations. The grants provide funding for free legal services to low-income people with civil legal problems, improvement in the administration of justice and education about the law.

“If true, this is an outrageous breach of trust by someone being paid by property taxpayers to represent the legal interests of multiple municipalities and citizens,” DeCroce said in a press release. “Freeholder Cesaro needs to come clean and explain why he is on this list and whether he disclosed his ineligible status to any of the elected officials in the towns where he has public contracts and was practicing law.”

John Cesaro told Parsippany Focus he registers every year but he apparently failed to do so last year. He wasn’t aware of his ineligibility until DeCroce contacted newspapers and some of his supporters.

Cesaro’s license is otherwise in good standing and ineligibility is not equivalent to being suspended, which was confirmed by the State Office of Attorney Ethics, according to the Daily Record. He also is up to date with his annual, $212 fee to the Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection.

“It must have been a clerical error,” he said. “It was not an ethics issue, not a disciplinary issue.”

After finding out his status, Cesaro contacted the fund and filled out the appropriate paperwork.

“I got to thank my opponent for bringing this to my attention,” Cesaro said. “If I were her, I would focus on this, too. It takes the attention away from the fact that she voted with the Democrats for the 157-percent gas tax increase.”

According to the NJ Attorney Detail, John Cesaro, Esq. has a current status of active

According to the Daily Record, IOLTA Fund Executive Director Catherine Ferrise stated Cesaro resolved the issue and was expect to return to the active attorney list.
At the time this article was published, Parsippany Focus checked with the New Jersey Court website, NJ Attorney Detail and Mr. Cesaro’s license is active.

Cesaro also called DeCroce’s statement “her Hail Mary attempt to try win an election.”

Both 26th District Assembly seats – one occupied by DeCroce, the second by Jay Webber – are available this year. Cesaro and fellow Morris County Freeholder William “Hank” Lyon are both running for the seats and have specifically targeted DeCroce.

On Wednesday, it was reported that DeCroce filed a lawsuit in Morris County Superior Court claiming Lyon is violating state election finance laws.

On May 8, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Mayor James Barberio submitted a resolution to the Township Council to approve Cesaro as the Chief Municipal Prosecutor of Parsippany Municipal Court. (Click here to view Resolution 2017-68). Also on May 8, Resolution 2017-69 was presented to the Township Council to appoint Doug Cabana as Municipal Prosecutor. (Click here to view Resolution 2017-69). The township council approved both resolutions, based on the due diligence is completed by the Township Attorney, Township Clerk and Business Administrator.  Parsippany Focus submitted an OPRA request for copies of the Professional Services Agreement.

Click here for a complete list of the 1,320 Attorneys not in Compliance with Rule 1:28A for 2016.

County Improvement Authority Chooses Firm for Potential Lease of Operations at Morris View 

Frank L. Cahill
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County Improvement Authority Chooses Firm for Potential Lease of Operations at Morris View 

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Improvement Authority, after briefing the Board of Freeholders, today selected Allaire Healthcare Group of Freehold as the company best qualified to lease and run the county’s Morris View Healthcare Centre.

That decision will allow the MCIA to commence negotiations with Allaire which has offered the county $2.7 million annually to lease Morris View. (click here for website)

Combined with a reduction in costs to the county to operate Morris View, the lease could result in an initial total annual savings of $4 million to $6 million, and up to $8 million a year by the end of the decade.

The MCIA chose Allaire based on the unanimous recommendations of a special seven-member county panel, which reviewed eight proposals to lease Morris View based on evaluation criteria approved by the State Comptrollers’ Office. Factors considered by the panel, included financial viability, staffing capabilities, operational practices, and quality control.

Allaire previously purchased and is successfully operating a former Monmouth County nursing facility, which had been owned and managed by county government.

It is important to note Morris County will continue to own Morris View and will closely monitor the quality of care offered by Allaire, or any other company that would lease the 283-bed nursing home and sub-acute rehabilitation facility located in Morris Township.

The MCIA in March issued a Request for Proposals for the potential leasing of Morris View. It sought proposals from experienced private health care organizations for the lease of the 211,277 square-foot facility, including the transfer of the 283-licensed long-term care beds, now held by the county, through the New Jersey Department of Health.

Eight firms responded to the RFP. For a complete list click here.

The Board of Freeholders, when authorizing the development of an RFP for the potential lease of Morris View in 2016, stressed that the county is retaining ownership of the facility and insisted on specific patient care requirements to maintain the high quality of care now offered to elderly and disabled residents living there.

To ensure the choice of a high quality private health care provider, the freeholders voted to employ the MCIA to handle the RFP process, which could give the county more flexibility in choosing the most qualified respondent, rather than be tied to the highest bidder.

The Freeholders approved the leasing option last year following an independent study of Morris View. The study by consultant Perselay Associates projected that the tax-supported subsidy to run Morris View would rise from some $7 million incurred in 2016 to $15.5 million annually by 2020.

The study found that a potential leasing option of Morris View to a private nursing home company could be a viable solution to respond to the projected financial issues that are likely to affect Morris View, while also maintaining the high quality of care offered at Morris View.
The information compiled by Perselay Associates supplements a 2015 report by done for the county by consultants Marcus and Millichap.

To view the Perselay report, click here.

To view the Marcus and Millichap report, click here.

 

Ribbon Cutting Opens the Wellness Path at Lakeland Hills YMCA

Frank L. Cahill
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Ribbon Cutting Opens the Wellness Path at Lakeland Hills YMCA

MOUNTAIN LAKES — Vik Joganow, CEO at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA cuts the ribbon that officially opens the Wellness Path at the back of the Y facility.

Thanks to the support of the Borough of Mountain Lakes, the funding collaborative of New Jersey YMCA State Alliance, the New Jersey Department of Health, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Atlantic Health System, the Y was able to construct a Brazilian Teak boardwalk path for members and the community to utilize year round.

The path connects the woods behind the facility to the playing fields of Mountain Lakes High School.

Also in attendance from left to right, Chris Michael Kirk and Jessica Mulcahy from Atlantic Health, John Sheehan, Y Building & Grounds Supervisor, Anthony Shovlowsky, Y Fitness Director, Lauren Barnett, Deputy Mayor of Mountain Lakes, Beverly Cooper, Y Communications Director, and Y Board Vice President, Angelo Intile.

Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting 05/22/2017

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting 05/22/2017
Parsippany Resident Bob Venezia presented the following facts during the Council Meeting of Monday, May 22. Unfortunately due to time restraints imposed by Council President Louis Valori, limiting the public portion to three minutes, Mr. Venezia didn’t finish the entire presentation.  Mr. Valori cut off Mr. Venezia after speaking for three minutes. Parsippany Focus is publishing his entire presentation.
Here is the complete presentation he attempted to discuss with the Mayor and Council:

A little known and even less publicized feature of the affordable housing rules is the concept of Urban Aid Municipalities as defined by the state legislature. The 46 Urban Aid Municipalities are home to 30% of New Jersey’s population, and they contribute heavily to the number of affordable housing units needed at the state and regional level. However, they are under no obligation to actually build affordable housing units, so their obligation must be absorbed by the remaining 70% of the state. In Morris County, which lies in region 2, affordable housing quotas are inflated by at least 40% because of the Urban Aid Municipality exemption.

To be designated as a “Qualifying Urban Aid Municipality”, only one of three criteria must be met. It should come as no surprise that each of these criteria have little to do with affordable housing and everything to do with politics. As a result, the majority of voters in almost every municipality that appears on the Urban Aid Municipality exemption list is affiliated with a single political party. Let’s examine each of these criteria a little closer.

Rule #1 states that if a municipality contains a number of substandard housing units greater than the regional average, then it qualifies as an exempt urban aid municipality. But logically, why would you want to discourage towns that have a large inventory of substandard housing, like Newark, Camden, Paterson, and Trenton, from building affordable housing that actually meets   acceptable living standards?

Rule #2: Any municipality with a population of at least 10,000 people per square mile of land area is exempt from affordable housing obligations. This rule may also be labelled as the Hudson County Exemption Rule because of the way it is constructed. Rule #2 exempts 87% of Hudson County’s population, while few, if any, other towns in the state meet this criterion. A high population density has not prevented affluent towns like Jersey City and Hoboken from adding tens of thousands of market value housing units in the last decade. Why shouldn’t some of them be affordable?

Rule #3 appears to be specifically targeted to exempt the Essex County constituency. Essex didn’t quite make the 10,000 people per square mile criterion, so that rule had to be tweaked a little bit. Rule #3 exempts municipalities with populations of 6,000 to 10,000 per square mile provided that the amount of vacant land in the municipality is less than 5%. This contrived rule exempts 70% of Essex County, while the 5% vacancy clause limits many other towns in the state from qualifying. Montclair, one of the more affluent towns in the state, gets an affordable housing free pass under this rule.

It’s easy to understand why the legislature included these rules in the Fair Share Housing Act. They were just taking care of their loyal constituents. But if the New Jersey Supreme Court was truly concerned about the equitable distribution of affordable housing throughout the state, then these rules should have been struck down. The true intentions of the Fair Share Housing Center and Dr. Kinsey also come into question here because of their lack of objection to these rules. Why didn’t they demand that their fair share methodology be applied to all municipalities equally and without exception? In fact that is exactly what should happen. The Econsult and Dr. Kinsey methodologies should be applied uniformly throughout the state. The only reason any municipality should be exempted from their affordable housing obligation is if the Econsult and Dr. Kinsey calculations result in a zero obligation.

The Urban Aid Municipalities Exemption rules need to be challenged and they need to be overturned.

So, I am asking the council and the mayor to initiate the process by either formally requesting Econsult to challenge the rules, or by commissioning our own legal counsel to do it. I would now like to hear from each of you whether you intend to pursue this course of action or not, and if not, please explain why.

Thank you
Bob Venezia

Having fun at Troy Hills School Color Bash

Frank L. Cahill
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Having fun at Troy Hills School Color Bash

PARSIPPANY — Children, teachers, parents were all having fun at the Troy Hills School Color Bash Run/Walk held on Sunday, May 21 at Veterans Memorial Park, Route 46.

The sponsors

Driver not paying attention hits vehicle stopped for red signal

Frank L. Cahill
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Driver not paying attention hits vehicle stopped for red signal

PARSIPPANY — Ms. Su Tsui, 70, Parsippany was stopped at the red traffic signal on Route 46 West at Smith Road, when a 2003 Silver Nissan Altima driven by Mr. Faisal Khan, 23, Boonton, wasn’t paying attention and did not stop and struck the 2007 White Honda Accord.

There were no injuries and Mr. Khan’s vehicle was towed from the scene by Hiawatha Towing. Ms. Tsui was able to drive her vehicle from the scene..

Parsippany-Troy Hills Officer Gregory Bloete investigated the accident.

Vehicle was stopped at red traffic signal and hit from behind
Opps. Driver wasn’t paying attention

Ex-teacher Virginia Vertetis gets minimum sentence for boyfriend’s murder

Frank L. Cahill
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Ex-teacher Virginia Vertetis gets minimum sentence for boyfriend’s murder

MORRIS COUNTY  — Virginia Vertetis, 55, was sentenced to thirty years in New Jersey State Prison after being found guilty of murdering a Staten Island man with whom she had a previous relationship. Vertetis is required to serve thirty years without the possibility of parole. The prosecution of this matter was handled by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp.

“This is the worst of crimes,” said Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Troiano during the sentencing of Virginia Vertetis before Judge Stephen Taylor in state Superior Court in Morristown. Troiano, who was the lead prosecutor in the case, added that, “This type of violence is … permanent in every sense of the word.”

Vertetis was convicted by a Morris County jury on April 3 on the first degree charge of Murder and the second degree charge of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.

This incident was first reported to police just before 10:00 p.m. on March 3, 2014, when officers with the Mount Olive Police Department responded to 2 Apollo Way in the Flanders section of the township after a 911 call by the victim’s daughter. Authorities found the body of Patrick Gilhuley immediately inside the front entrance of Vertetis’ home. Gilhuley was pronounced dead at the scene and Vertetis was arrested shortly afterwards. The investigation revealed that Vertetis fatally shot the victim within her home.

“The jury reached the just and proper verdict, and the defendant has now been sentenced for the senseless murder of Patrick Gilhuley,” Prosecutor Knapp said. “It is our genuine hope that this will bring some sense of closure to his family.”

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the agencies that participated in the investigation that led to Vertetis’ conviction, including the Mount Olive Police Department, the Criminal Investigation Section of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, the New Jersey State Police office of Forensic Sciences, and the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

“Women in Politics” was the subject of a Democrat Fundraiser

Frank L. Cahill
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“Women in Politics” was the subject of a Democrat Fundraiser

PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Democratic Committee held a meeting “Focusing on the Role of Women in Elective Office,” on Sunday, May 21. The event was held at Livingston Benedict House, 25 Old Parsippany Road.

Speakers included Clinton Mayor Janice Kovach, Former Parsippany Mayor Mimi Letts, Mountain Lakes Councilwoman Ellen Emr and 26th Legislative District Candidate Laura Fortgang.

Mayor Janice Kovach
Mayor Kovach has served as mayor in Clinton since 2012, positively impacting her community.  Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for women, volunteering a good deal of her time to mentor and train women to run for office. Prior to being Mayor Janice was elected to the Clinton town council in 2004 until 2006. She is a committed public servant. Janice ran for the New Jersey Assembly in 2005 and House of Representatives in the Seventh District in 2014, served as Secretary of the NJ State Democratic Committee, on New Jersey Highlands Water & Protection Planning Council and Director of the New Jersey Division on Women. 

Also, Janice was a guest speaker for Tedx talk titled Honor Dairies, “What is Honor.”  It’s on YouTube and if you haven’t seen it I suggest you do. It addresses the plight of women throughout the world. The images in the presentation are powerful. We are so glad that Janice agreed to speak at our event today.

Mimi Letts
Served as Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills for eleven years beginning in 1994 to 2005. Quite an accomplishment in a republican town. During her tenure, Mimi committed funds to purchase open space, build a new police headquarters and courthouse, built parks including Veterans Park. More importantly Mimi built bipartisan support within the administration to grow and improve the community. When she retired in 2005 she left the Parsippany in much better place.

Prior to being Mayor Mimi ran for council, served on the Planning Board, Board of Adjustments, New Jersey Highlands Water & Protection Planning Council and a trustee for Parsippany Senior Citizens Housing Corp and was instrumental in building support for the Brookside Senior Citizens Housing.

Mimi continues to give her time and support in mentoring candidates sharing her knowledge and expertise.

Ellen Emr
Served as councilwomen in Mountain Lakes from 2008 to 2011. Again, another accomplished woman that won a seat in a strongly held Republican town.  Ellen is active on many of the borough committees. She was in the forefront against major development that would have impacted open space on a wooded tract of land adjacent to 40 acres of Mt. Lakes’ borough Park. She successfully argued against changing the zoning code to permit the development. Something we’re familiar with in Parsippany.  Ellen was also active in opposing the Waterview Development Project and helped significantly limit the impact of the project.

In the recent 2015 election, Ellen provide guidance and support and was instrumental in working to elect Democrats, women, to Mountain Lakes’ town council. 

Ellen too is an advocate and mentor for candidates running for office.

Laura Fortgang
Laura Berman Fortgang is a mother, small business owner and active in her community, Laura has an impressive career as an acclaimed speaker, bestselling author, life coach and career strategist.  She has written seven books her most recent “Now What”.  You may know Laura from her appearances on Oprah, CNN, MSNBC or read her blog on Huffington Post. Laura is a candidate for District 26, general assembly.

Intervale Elementary School Holds Car Wash

Frank L. Cahill
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Intervale Elementary School Holds Car Wash

PARSIPPANY — The fifth grade class at Intervale Elementary School recently held a car wash to raise funds for the end of year activities.

The students washing the fire truck from Rainbow Lakes Parsippany Fire District 2
Mia Nardi and Anya Sadowski washing the fire truck at Intervale School Fifth Grade Car Wash

24 Hour Fitness to join Wegman’s

Frank L. Cahill
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24 Hour Fitness to join Wegman’s

HANOVER — Mack-Cali Realty Corporation announced it has signed a lease with 24 Hour Fitness at the Company’s shopping center at the intersection of Sylvan Way and Ridgedale Avenue, in the Mack-Cali Business Campus. 24 Hour Fitness will join anchor tenant Wegmans and will occupy approximately 40,000 square feet.

Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., 24 Hour Fitness is a leading fitness industry pioneer with nearly four million members in more than 400 clubs across the U.S. The new club will feature personal training services, popular group exercise classes, and a variety of strength, cardio, and functional training equipment.

Wegmans is currently under construction and is scheduled to open their 134,000-square-foot supermarket on July 23.

“Mack-Cali is thrilled about bringing 24 Hour Fitness to the Parsippany/Hanover area. 24 Hour Fitness will join Wegmans as key amenities not only for our office tenants and residents in the area but also the entire community. Adding amenities like 24 Hour Fitness and Wegmans are at the core of Mack-Cali’s commitment to its tenants and the markets in which we are a part of,” said Michael J. DeMarco, Mack-Cali Chief Executive Officer

Mark Needle of Triumph Realty Group represented Mack-Cali in the 24 Hour Fitness transaction, as well as, the Wegmans deal. Pierson Commercial represented 24 Hour Fitness.

Mack-Cali Realty Corporation is a fully integrated, self-administered, self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT) providing management, leasing, development, and other tenant-related services for its two-platform operations of waterfront and transit-based office and luxury multi-family assets. Mack-Cali provides its tenants and residents with the most innovative communities that empower them to re-imagine the way they work and live.

Letter to the editor: The special interests are coming

Frank L. Cahill
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Letter to the editor: The special interests are coming

Dear Editor:

A famous American by the name of Paul Revere cried through the streets “The Red Coats are Coming! The Red Coats are Coming”. To this day, Revere is a hero that warned the American Colonists of the dangers that were coming their way. Today a new battle cry can be heard in the streets during this assembly primary; and that cry is, “The special interests are coming! The special interest are coming” For you see, Assemblywoman DeCroce is being bought by the special interests throughout the state, and it is high time you all become aware of it.

After reviewing the election report filing from the assemblywoman, it appears that her loyalty is more aligned to the special interests that fund her campaign, rather than the voters she represents. Matter a fact, over $40,000 from special interests from across the state has poured money into her campaign in this one election, and many of them are directly connected to the passage of the gas tax last October and the record-setting property taxes. Assemblywoman DeCroce is championing herself as a proven conservative that takes the fight to the liberals in Trenton, but her record shows she advocates more for the special interest and promotes policies that only increases our taxes; something conservatives fights hard against! At the Jefferson and Morris County Young Republicans Candidates night on May 4th, the Assemblywoman announced to the crowd that she is proud of her gas tax vote and wouldn’t change a thing. Remember that each week when you go fill up your vehicle at the gas station.

Freeholder and Assembly candidate Hank Lyon is running his campaign with the help of friends and family that believe in true conservative principles. He has not taken any money from special interests and has a proven record of fighting for what is right in our county. He understands that voting for a 130% tax increase in gas would not solve the underlying problem but rather spending cuts are the real solution to our financial problems, which is why he voted for a resolution in 2015 in opposition to the gas tax! Having been at the freeholder board meetings, Freeholder Lyon worked hard to make the apprenticeship program optional and supported and stewarded an e-verify measure. Through his tireless work and strong communication skills, Freeholder Lyon got a big win for the taxpayers of Morris County.

Freeholders Mastrangelo and Cesaro on the other hand showed support of the earlier proposal, backed by the local unions, that would have made the apprenticeship program mandatory thereby making it incredibly difficult for non-union shops to do business on public works projects in Morris County.

By fighting against the special interests lobbying for this program, Freeholder Lyon was looking out for our best interests. According to the county staff, project labor agreement costs would have increased around 30% if the original program was implemented, further increasing our taxes. Lastly, instead of praising Freeholder Lyon for voting no on raising our 2017 county taxes, freeholders on the board and the assemblywoman are now attacking him; claiming he is showboating for the crowd. They cannot offer a better argument than Freeholder Lyon so they attack him for being against a budget that would ask the taxpayers to pay more in Morris County?

Again, I ask you when did Republicans become the party of higher taxes and more spending? Freeholder Lyon and his understanding of conservative governance demonstrate his understanding sound fiscal policy and how he will fight for the interests of his constituents in Trenton. On Tuesday June 6, Vote Freeholder Hank Lyon for Assembly and tell the special interests that your vote can’t be bought.

Vincent La Iacona
26th Legislative District Constituent

Probable Cause Hearing for Criminal Charges Against Barberio Today

Frank L. Cahill
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Probable Cause Hearing for Criminal Charges Against Barberio Today

PARSIPPANY — As reported in Parsippany Focus on April 7, Democratic activist and candidate for governor Bill Brennan filed a citizen’s complaint against Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio and Business Administrator Ellen Sandman in Parsippany Municipal Court on Friday, April 7, a move that could result in fourth degree criminal charges against the duo. (Click here to read full story: Criminal Complaints filed against Barberio).

According to the complaint, both defendants were to appear in Morris County Superior Court on Wednesday, April 19 at 11:30 a.m.

Before a complaint is sent to Morris County Superior Court, a probable cause hearing must be heard by a judge.  Parsippany Municipal Court determined that they were in conflict and sent the case for probable cause to Morristown Municipal Court.

Bill Brennan stated “My criminal charge in Parsippany has resulted in odd behavior by the municipal court system. Before sending the case to Morristown Municipal Court for a probable cause determination, the Parsippany Municipal Court set a first appearance for the defendants in Superior Court for April 19. This caused media inquiries to the Superior Court regarding status. In response the Superior Court was perplexed because no paperwork had been received from either Parsippany or Morristown.”

Mr. Brennan then asked Parsippany Municipal Court what happened and was told that on April 7 the case was sent to Morristown Municipal Court for a Probable Cause determination.

Morristown Municipal Court is hopelessly conflicted because:

  • Morristown Planning Board Attorney is John Inglesino;
  • Morristown Township Attorney, Vij Pawar, represents Barberio (in Carifi vs. Barberio);
  • Morristown Prosecutor, Robert J. Rudy, III, is partnered with Barberio’s attorney,Vij Pawar (in Carifi vs. Barberio). Mr. Rudy currently serves as the Municipal Prosecutor for the Town of Morristown.

Parsippany Focus called Mr. Pawar on Wednesday, April 19, asking for comment as to why the Probable Cause hearing was scheduled for Morristown Municipal Court on Thursday, April 20, when it is clearly a conflict of interest. Mr. Pawar did not return our call.

Parsippany Focus called the Morristown Court Clerk on Thursday, April 20, and was advised the case has been sent back to Parsippany Municipal Clerk for further determination.

Despite these conflicts, the Morristown Municipal Court held onto the charge from April 10 until April 20 when they “discovered” these conflicts.

Morristown Municipal Court returned the complaint to Parsippany Municipal Court. Parsippany Municipal Court then sent the case to Lincoln Park Municipal Court Judge Andrew M. Wubbenhorst. After holding the case for almost a month Judge Wubbenhorst determined he was in conflict of interest.

Now, Parsippany Focus, has learned a probable cause hearing will be held by Pequannock Township Municipal Court Judge, John A. Paparazzo, on Monday, May 22 at 2:30 p.m. in the Court Chambers located at 530 Newark-Pompton Turnpike (Second Floor),
Pompton Plains.

Mr. Brennan stated “This delay appears to be a calculated maneuver to buy time for the Mayor and Council. Both Morristown judges violated the Judicial Code of Conduct by delaying a case on behalf of the defendants under the misguided notion that somehow modifying a salary ordinance after the hiring and payment of employees would mean a crime did not occur. Under Inglesino’s reasoning two employees could be hired as Keyboarding Clerk 1 on New Year’s eve and each receive $48,000 in salary for that day – they could then work on January 2 and each receive another $48,000 in salary for that day and then be laid off. This nonsense is what passes for legal advice in Parsippany – so far the system is failing us again when it comes to Christie’s cronies.”

“On ‘Planet Inglesino’ two keyboarding clerks can legally collect a total of $192,000 by working two days each and the salary range would not be violated. This is absurd.
We are about to see what kind of corrupt judge goes along with such an obvious fallacy,” stated Mr. Brennan in a press release.

In the meantime, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council scheduled an “special” meeting, on April 11, to pass an ordinance to change the White Color Salary Ordinance (Click here to read story: Cover Up Of A Crime? Salary Ordinance Revised; 3-2 Vote on First Reading). Council President Louis Valori, Councilman Michael dePierro and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani approved the Ordinance on First Reading. Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr. voted no.

The Ordinance was approved 3-2 on final reading at Regular Council meeting held on Tuesday, April 25.

The Ordinance, #2017:05, shall be retroactive to January 1, 2017 for all employees active on the date of introduction of this ordinance. The salary in this ordinance for Keyboarding Clerk 1 will have a minimum starting salary of $17,000 annually to $55,000 annually. (Note: A copy of the Ordinance was not available to the public during the special meeting, Parsippany Focus obtained a copy through Open Public Records Act (OPRA). Click here to see the complete White Collar Salary ranges.

“I find it kind-of comical that we had to have this special meeting, at the last second, right after this gentlemen who you claim files this bogus claim,” Councilman Paul Carifi told Parsippany Focus. “Again, the mayor hired these people at a higher rate than what the salary ordinance allows. That is a fact. This is a knee-jerk reaction, as usual, by the mayor.”

“I’m voting with my conscience, no,” Council Vice President Robert Peluso said.

Bill Brennan told the Daily Record, “I am beginning a legal campaign against these lawless abusers. Inglesino is my ultimate target. I investigated the perpetrators and started with Inglesino’s cronies, and am working my way up.”

Blood Drive to be held at United Methodist Church

Frank L. Cahill
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Blood Drive to be held at United Methodist Church

PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, June 4 the Parsippany United Methodist Church will be hosting a Blood Drive with Community Blood Services in honor of all persons who are fighting an illness and at times may need blood transfusions.

Please consider signing up to give the gift of life giving blood. The blood you donate gives someone another chance at life. One day that someone may be a close relative, a friend, a loved one or even you. The bloodmobile will be located in the church parking lot at 903 S. Beverwyck Road from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You can sign up online by clicking here or by calling (201) 251-3703 or by email: marionp@cbsblood.org.

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer with the blood drive, you can contact Anna Egorova at anna.egorova@gmail.com.

The mission of Community Blood Services is to “promote the health of our community by providing high-quality blood and tissue services, education and innovative research, utilizing state-of-the-art technology in synergy with strategic partnerships and alliances.”

You are eligible to donate if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are in good health
  • You are at least 16 years old; 16 and 17 year olds need to have parental consent forms  and proof of age. (If you are over 75 years old and reside in NY you must be healthy and may need a note from your doctor saying you can donate)
  • You weigh at least 110 pounds
  • You have diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure but it is under control
  • You have not donated blood in the last 56 days (112 days if your last donation was double red cells)

Lake Hiawatha Elementary K-Kids raised money to donate

Frank L. Cahill
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Lake Hiawatha Elementary K-Kids raised money to donate

PARSIPPANY — Members of K-Kids of Lake Hiawatha Elementary ran a lemonade stand and donated their profits of $227.00 to the K-Kids “Pennies for Patients”. This club is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.

Pennies for Patients is a three-week program for Elementary and Middle Schools where students collect change and raise funds while learning about service and philanthropy. This program is part of the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Series.

For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, visit parsippanykiwanis.org.

IHOP presents Kiwanis with donations from “Child Abuse Prevention Month”

Frank L. Cahill
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IHOP presents Kiwanis with donations from “Child Abuse Prevention Month”

PARSIPPANY — Co-owner, Parsippany IHOP, Mo Abdelhadi presented Karen DeChristopher, Co-Director and Committee Chair of Kiwanis Club’s Young Children Priority One (YCPO) service projects with a check from the donations received during “Child Abuse Prevention Month.”

IHOP collected donations during the month of April for Kiwanis Club and promoted the campaign as they have for the past three years.

“April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children and strengthening families,” said Karen DeChristopher, Co-Director and Committee Chair of Kiwanis Club’s Young Children Priority One (YCPO) service projects. “Everyone’s participation is critical.  Focusing on ways to connect with families is the best thing our community can do to strengthen families and prevent all forms of child abuse”, she continued.

Ava Arthurs at Pinwheel Garden for Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. During April and throughout the year, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Parsippany-Troy Hills a better place for children and families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse and neglect by making meaningful connections with children, youth and families in our communities. Research shows that protective factors are present in healthy families. Promoting these factors is among the most effective ways to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. They are:

  • Nurturing and attachment
  • Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development
  • Parental resilience
  • Social connections
  • Concrete supports for parents
  • Social and emotional competence of children
Karen DeChristopher and Mo Abdelhadi in front of the display at IHOP

CCM Recognizes Students for Academic, Leadership and Athletic Success

Frank L. Cahill
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CCM Recognizes Students for Academic, Leadership and Athletic Success

RANDOLPH — More than thirty students at County College of Morris (CCM) were recently recognized by the college for their academic, leadership and athletic success.

Included among those recognitions were the awards presented to students at the 48th Annual Campus Life Appreciation Dinner Dance. Since 1969, CCM’s Office of Campus Life has recognized outstanding students who have been involved in clubs, organizations and performing arts productions. This year’s recognition event took place at the Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph.

“These students have worked hard and contributed significantly to the life of the college,” noted Tom Molski, director of Campus Life. “This is our way of providing them with some well-deserved recognition and thanking them for their efforts.”

Awards presented at the event were:

·         Board of Trustees Service Award: Michael Gosden (Rockaway)

·         Dean Patton Student Life Award: Ranell Bell (Dover)

·         Outstanding First Year Student Leader Award: Andrea Alfonso (Parsippany)

·         Dr. Masten Scholar/Leader Awards: Spyridoula Fotinis (Succasunna)

·         Distinguished Student Leaders Awards: Michael Gosden (Rockaway), Andrea Doucette (Succasunna), Spyridoula Fotinis (Succasunna), Margaret Moutis (Parsippany), Marcelle Owens (Denville),Elizabeth Peter (Califon), Brian Seligson (Parsippany), Shelsey Vazquez (Dover), Holland Von Stamwitz (Morristown)

·         Performing Arts Awards: Catherine Hodic (Springfield), Jonathan Reisch (Oakland), Luis Tosado (Randolph), Emily Alworth (Caldwell), Annmarie Ferran (Lincoln Park)

·         Performing Arts Technical Awards: Michael Mandanici (Denville), Kelly Kavanaugh (Rockaway), Matthew Frawley(Netcong), Renzo I. Trimanez-Espinosa (Parsippany), Ryan Puttbach (Hopatcong), Julia Craig (Madison),

·         Outstanding Contribution to Performing Arts Department Award: Gabriel Weiss (Pine Brook)

·         Dance Outstanding Performance Award: Angelica Gonzalez (Dover)

·         Dance Outstanding Choreography Award: Marissa Ciancitto (Lafayette)

·         Outstanding Performance in Drama Awards: Evan Wovsaniker (Whippany), Liam Young (Hardwick), Kira Gumbinger (West Milford), Chelsey Caulfield (Blairstown)

·         Academic Excellence in Drama Award: Liam Young (Hardwick)

·         Dean Judith Raulf Performing Arts Awards: Mark Carovale (Wharton), Maryann Hannon (Landing)

·         Donald Yaw Performing Arts Award: Rachel Wilson (Randolph), Mykaela Pocquat (Budd Lake)

      The Department of Athletics at County College of Morris also recently presented awards to its most successful team members during academic year 2016-17.

      Presented with awards were:

·         Male Athlete of the Year:  Jim Fluke (Netcong), Baseball

·         Female Athlete of the Year: Mary Mastriani (Sparta), Softball

·         Male Scholar Athlete of the Year: Jonathan Svendsen (Great Meadows), Soccer

·         Female Scholar Athlete of the Year: Isabella Paz Baldrich (Budd Lake), Volleyball

·         Male Freshman of the Year: Ranell Bell (Dover), Basketball

·         Female Freshman of the Year: Carly McDaniel (Lincoln Park), Softball

·         Female Student Athlete on The Rise: Ariel Solimando (Succasunna), Basketball

·         Male Student/Athlete on the Rise: Oliver Vasquez Castellon (Parsippany), Soccer

·         CCM Titan Award: Zabrina Gale (Succasunna), Basketball; Raeanna Cope (Budd Lake), Soccer; Taylor Fehnel (Long Valley), Soccer

·         Comeback Player of the Year: Christen Mills (Whippany), Softball

 

 

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