1. What is your educational and volunteer background?
I grew up in New York and attended schools there. A program that is very dear to me and I would like to see continue is the Municipal Alliance Committee (MAC). This program with the cooperation of the Parsippany Police Department and the Police Athletic League (PAL) helps our young students dealing with the many day to day challenges, being it bullying, drug use, to family concerns. MAC is comprised of volunteers, and residents who have lost loved ones to drugs. I am honored to be appointed to this committee as Council Liaison. The programs presented are costly, but I believe are of great importance to the young people of our township.
2. Why did you choose to run for council?
I have seen our township grow and prosper, become a multicultural and diverse community in the 51 years that I have lived in Parsippany. We have received an A+ rating for the quality of life that we enjoy in our township. An A+ rating is awarded with the hard work of many. Volunteers, township workers, and our Police Department all contributed to Parsippany receiving this achievement.
3. What do you feel the biggest issue facing Parsippany today?
Taxes are a major concern of our residents. Our seniors who helped build this community after retirement would like to stay and call Parsippany home. In the past two years with the help of my fellow running mates, dePierro, and Carifi Jr. we have cut proposed township budget increases and have lowered the tax burden on our residents.
4. Why did you decide to run now?
For many years I have been involved in the township. When our sons were students in Northvale Elementary School I served in several positions on the Parent Teacher Association, including the Presidency and as Treasurer. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene I helped lead volunteers and citizens in a community effort to aid the residents of Lake Hiawatha. Seeing our township come together helping their neighbors inspired me then and is something I remember to this day. For our efforts we received from Governor Christie the NJ State Volunteer Award.
5. What are you passionate about?
My husband and I have two sons, Andrew and Peter who with their families live out of state. I cherish the times we as a family are together celebrating special occasions. Being of Italian descent, food of course is always the topic of conversion before holiday dinners. My husband Adam has always given me his encouragement and is my best cheerleader. It takes teamwork and commitment to be in politics as we have learned these past years.
6. What are your hobbies/interests?
I received the Parsippany-Troy Hills Outstanding Achievement Award and the Italian American Woman of the Year Award. I am a co-chair of Relay for Life Cancer Walk, a member of the Development Committee for the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, former member of the Parsippany Board of Adjustment, and a former Trustee, Advisory Board Member, and Finance Council member for my parish St. Ann R.C. Church. My husband Adam and I are currently serving as members of the Hospitality Committee. I am the Recording Secretary and a member of the Parsippany Republican Club.
7. What is your professional background?
I was the co-owner of a successful design and construction company KBI (Kitchens Baths Interiors) in Lake Hiawatha for 29 years retiring three years ago. With other prominent business owners we formed the Lake Hiawatha Business Association providing holiday decorations on North Beverwyck Road. Volunteers and business owners to this day are continuing to provide enjoyment to the children during the holiday season.
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