PARSIPPANY — The third grade students at Northvail Elementary School have been learning about local government. In order for the students to fully understand how it works Mayor James R. Barberio recently came and spoke to them. He discussed his contributing role in overseeing our township’s utilities, libraries, fire department, parks and recreation, sanitation department, public works, local law enforcement and many other areas that affect our daily lives.
He also explained the three branches of government on the municipal level, and the reason for separation of powers.
Barberio told the students that he has been mayor for seven years and is the only full time mayor in Morris County. He was motivated to become a mayor because of a particularly inspirational Social Studies teacher he had as a student when he attended Parsippany Hills High School.
The students had a chance to ask the mayor some thought provoking questions. For example, “What are some of the hardest decisions you have made?” Mayor Barberio spoke about both Hurricane Irene and Super Storm Sandy and how he had to react quickly and efficiently to make the right choices for the safety and well being of the residents of Parsippany.
Our third grade teachers, Mr. Behme, Mrs. Diggle, Mrs. Garcia and Mrs. Carrasca and all of our students would like to thank Mayor Barberio for taking time out of his busy day to come to Northvail.
