Dear Editor,

I’ve been following Parsippany Mayor James Barberio’s recent attempt to “censure” Councilman Justin Musella for his role in a minor traffic stop almost two years ago and feel compelled to offer my thoughts.

First, allow me to introduce myself. I’ve lived in Parsippany for 25 years and have been involved in law enforcement for almost 50 years, including 24 years as a supervisory Special Agent with the United States Secret Service. As someone who has conducted countless state and federal investigations and made more than my share of arrests, I know what’s required to establish probable cause that a crime has been committed.

Let’s examine the facts. On August 23, 2023, Justin Musella was the passenger in a vehicle driven by his wife Courtney while moving to a local train station. At approximately 7:42 a.m., a Parsippany police officer initiated a traffic stop because he observed the vehicle driving over the posted speed limit. The bodycam video captured by the officer, if viewed in its totality, depicts the officer approaching the vehicle and before any documents are handed over, the officer looks inside and in a friendly tone, immediately greeted Musella by name, a clear indication that he knew exactly who Musella was.

Moments later, Courtney Musella (the driver) handed several items to the officer, including her driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance card, and her husband’s business card. After performing a routine check of Courtney’s record, the officer issued a warning and allowed them to leave. It’s important to know that all three individuals were professional, polite and respectful during the encounter. Musella never asked for a break, and to his credit, he took full responsibility for the incident, stating that he was trying to reach the train station to catch a certain train.

Now let’s be clear about the scurrilous accusation leveled by Barberio and his followers, suggesting that Musella’s actions constitute a law violation. The decision of this officer to issue a warning instead of a speeding ticket was entirely discretionary, a very common practice. The driver’s presentation of Musella’s business card had no obvious impact on the officer’s decision to issue a warning, as evidenced by the initial cordial exchange. Musella did not verbally advise the officer of his official position nor did he suggest to the officer that the issuance of a summons would somehow be detrimental to the officer. Musella admitted to the officer that he was wrong to encourage his wife to drive quickly, took full responsibility, and apologized. So, Mayor Barberio, where’s the crime? And why did you wait until now to raise this issue, less than 100 days before the primary?

In the interest of context, allow me to remind your readers of when this police bodycam video first came to our attention. In December 2023, on the day of the Council meeting at the Parsippany PAL, a meeting where upwards of 900 residents showed up to voice their objections to the Barberio/Inglesino PILOT scam, thousands of Parsippany residents received a text message with a link to a (fake) website that featured photos of multiple political figures who were accused of various crimes, including Musella and Robert “Gold Bar Bob” Menendez. The website included portions of the Parsippany Police video of the encounter with Musella four months earlier. I called Parsippany Chief of Police Rich Pantina. I asked about the circumstances of the video’s release and was shocked to find out that it was released to an anonymous individual on the same day he/she filed an OPRA request. For anyone who has ever filed an OPRA request with the Township of Parsippany, you know that it can take weeks or months to receive the requested information, so the unexpected and unprecedented efficiency on the part of the Township of Parsippany suggested something strange was going on! This is the kind of disgusting behavior that has turned off countless Parsippany voters and is one of the many reasons this former Barberio supporter has been enthusiastically supporting Justin Musella for Mayor!

The public response to this latest politically motivated stunt has been highly supportive of Musella, and for Barberio, it is backfiring. The residents of Parsippany are not stupid and can recognize desperation when they see it, so Mayor Barberio, I call on you to debate Councilman Musella so the public can see who is most qualified to lead this township.

Dennis Letts

PARSIPPANY—The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany proudly welcomed two new members, longtime residents Frank and Sandy Neglia, during a recent swearing-in ceremony. Club President Doreen Brennan officially inducted them, celebrating their commitment to community service and dedication to making a positive impact.

President Brennan expressed her enthusiasm for their membership, stating, “Kiwanis is something so good that each of us loves to share it. What better way to show our love for our club and community than to welcome new members? Today, we’re very pleased to welcome Frank and Sandy to our global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child, and one community at a time.”

A Lifetime of Community Involvement

Frank and Sandy Neglia are no strangers to giving back. For decades, they have been deeply involved in numerous local organizations, dedicating their time and talents to strengthening the community they call home.

Sandy has lived in Parsippany for over 40 years and has dedicated her career to teaching special needs students for just as long. Her extensive involvement includes serving in the Parsippany Columbiettes, Parsippany Women’s Club, Parsippany Elks #2078, Recreation Advisory Committee, Municipal Alliance Committee, and as a lector at St. Christopher’s Church. She has also been a longstanding contributor to the Par-Troy West Little League for over 35 years and is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.

Frank has lived in Parsippany for nearly 60 years and has worked in Operations and Facilities Management for over 40 years. His extensive community involvement includes being a member of the Sons of Italy Morris County, Parsippany Elks #2078, Recreation Advisory Committee, Parsippany PAL Board, and the Parsippany Library Board. He also served on the Board of Education for 15 years, including six years as President, and has been active in the Par-Troy West Little League for over 35 years. Frank also serves as a Parsippany Councilman and remains dedicated to civic engagement.

Together, Frank and Sandy have built a family-oriented legacy in Parsippany. They have five children, five children-in-law, and eight grandchildren, all of whom share their passion for giving back.

Looking Forward to Making a Difference

Frank and Sandy expressed excitement about joining the Kiwanis Club, emphasizing their passion for volunteerism and community service. “We love volunteering in this town and giving back to the community that has given so much to us. We look forward to becoming more involved with Kiwanis and their great work in Parsippany,” they said. “We encourage everyone to get out there and volunteer for an organization. So many people need help, and it’s a great feeling to be the one making a difference.”

Their induction underscores the Kiwanis Club’s growing influence in Parsippany. Longtime member Frank Cahill plays a vital role in fostering the club’s growth by sponsoring and mentoring new members, ensuring that the spirit of service continues to thrive.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is well-known for its dedication to serving children and families in need. With the addition of Frank and Sandy, the club gains two seasoned community leaders who will undoubtedly contribute to its ongoing success.

Join the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets weekly at IHOP, 792 Route 46. Meetings are held on Thursday mornings at 7:15 a.m., except for the first Thursday of each month, which occurs at 6:30 p.m.

For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and how to get involved, click here or contact the club directly.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany residents are invited to participate in a Free Shred-It Event on Saturday, May 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Town Hall, located at 1001 Parsippany Blvd.

This initiative provides residents with a secure and convenient way to dispose of sensitive documents, ensuring personal information remains protected from identity theft and fraud. Two trucks are available, and there is no weight limit, so attendees can bring as many documents as needed for safe and efficient shredding.

The event is open to all Parsippany residents, and participants are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of the free service. Residents should bring paper documents only, as binders, plastics, and non-paper materials will not be accepted.

This initiative is part of the town’s ongoing efforts to support environmental sustainability and data security. It ensures that confidential materials are properly disposed of while also encouraging recycling.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Lions Club, in collaboration with the Parsippany Library, offers free vision screenings through its “Vision of Hope” program, ensuring everyone deserves 20/20 vision. The event is open to residents of Parsippany and neighboring towns. It will take place on Saturday, March 29, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Parsippany Troy-Hills Library, located at 449 Halsey Road, Parsippany.

This initiative is aimed at individuals, families, and children without vision insurance and families earning up to 200% of the poverty line. A photo ID is required for participation.

How to Register

Residents are encouraged to register in advance for priority check-in by clicking here.

How You Can Help

The Parsippany Lions Club is also seeking donations for eyeglasses to help those in need. Financial assistance for eyeglasses will be provided based on proof of income and available sponsorship funds.

Mail Checks to:
Parsippany Lions Club
1081 Parsippany Blvd., Suite 101
Parsippany, NJ 07054

Send Digital Payments via Zelle:
Parsippany Lions Club
Phone: 862-579-8822

Community Support & Partners

This event is made possible with the support of America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Innovation Intelligence Impact (i3), and New York Life.

For further details, contact Meena A. Upadhyay at (732) 529-5814 or mupadhyay@ft.newyorklife.com.

Join the Parsippany Lions Club in making a visible difference in the community by ensuring better vision for those in need!

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Neighborhood Watch (PNW) is partnering with the Mt. Tabor Fire Department to host an informative fire safety and emergency response session. The event will occur on Tuesday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m. at 909 Tabor Road, Morris Plains (District 1 Firehouse).

This collaborative effort aims to educate residents on practical fire safety tips, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to protect their families in emergencies. The Mt. Tabor Fire Department will conduct a live demonstration, offering insight into the rapid response strategies employed by firefighters in critical situations.

“Community safety is a shared responsibility, and by working together, we can ensure that everyone is prepared for the unexpected,” said a representative from the Parsippany Neighborhood Watch. “We encourage residents to join us for this important event and learn to take proactive steps in emergency preparedness.”

Attendees will also be able to engage with local firefighters, ask questions, and receive guidance on home fire prevention, escape planning, and emergency response techniques.

MORRIS COUNTY — The 2025 Morris County Teen Arts Festival will be held on Friday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at County College of Morris (CCM). The day-long festival celebrating youth arts will bring together nearly 1,000 middle and high school artists, musicians from across Morris County, and educators for a full day of creative workshops, performances and exhibits. It also provides a platform for students to showcase their work, receive critique and earn an invitation to the prestigious New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival. The public is also invited to enjoy student artwork and performances at the event. 

Each year the festival centers around a thought-provoking theme and the 2025 focus is “Art & Consumerism.” This theme encourages students to explore how consumer culture influences their creative work, from the artist’s perspective to the broader reception in the art world. 

The festival’s keynote speaker is Anthony Marques, a prominent comic book artist, educator and local business owner. A graduate of the iconic Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art in New Jersey, Marques began working as an editor for publishers DC Comics and Dynamite Entertainment. A true student of the medium, he has brought new and exciting visions to life as an artist for beloved characters such as Batman, the Green Hornet and the Ghostbusters. In addition to working on numerous projects with these companies, Marques became an instructor at the Kubert School before eventually becoming president and owner of the institution.  

Following the keynote, CCM faculty, visiting artists, and current students will offer various activities for participation across CCM’s scenic campus. These include classroom workshops, pop-up performances in the college’s state-of-the-art Music and Technology Building, and outdoor interactive stations on the lawn (weather permitting). This year’s Teen Arts Festival is not to be missed! 

Registration opens Tuesday, April 1 and runs through May 1. Space is limited. Visit www.ccm.edu/teenarts/ for more details. Email questions to teenarts@ccm.edu. CCM is located at 214 Center Grove Road in Randolph. The festival is sponsored by Morris Arts, whose mission is to engage and build community through the arts.

Dear Editor:

Parsippany is Morris County’s largest town, and its government spends time dealing with the pettiest issues and personal vendettas to serve its cause.

While we hear innumerable voices from citizens in our town hall meetings about not hearing back for lengthy periods on their issue, they seem to have plenty of time for issues that concern themselves.

Most citizens’ issues are addressed with “not our fault” “haven’t heard back from xxx” “not our problem” and the list goes on. Even those on which they state they will get back, there is no timeline or resolution.

Meanwhile, they spend time prosecuting the only responsive council member who promises to put citizens first in his campaign for mayoral office this year – Justin Musella.

There is no arguing that Mr. Musella was wrong if he did speed and use his status to avoid a ticket (a citizen mentioned in the last meeting that the Police Officer appeared to already know him). But to litigate a two-year-old issue and look for punishment from the Attorney General seems like an agenda to blemish and silence him in the mayoral run.

As a citizen who needs to be put ahead of vested interests, I would like to register a protest against this pettiness. 

Pay attention to us, not to the gallows you plan to send Mr Musella.

 

Concerned Parsippany Citizen
The name was withheld by the publisher upon request due to concerns of retaliation.

TRENTON—With the federal enforcement of REAL ID set to begin on May 7, 2025, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) announced additional opportunities for its customers to get a REAL ID, including the creation of dedicated “REAL ID Thursdays” at Licensing Centers across the state.

Beginning Thursday, March 20, NJMVC Licensing Centers will focus on issuing REAL ID, adding nearly 4,500 new appointments for each “REAL ID Thursday” going forward. This will include added license renewal appointments, where customers with licenses expiring within three months can renew their license and upgrade to REAL ID simultaneously, and REAL ID non-renewal appointments, where customers with licenses expiring after three months can upgrade to REAL ID.

“Over the last few months, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in demand for REAL ID from our customers, and we’ve repeatedly added and reallocated appointments to better meet that demand,” said Acting NJMVC Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd. “The new initiative announced will expand access further, helping to service more customers who need or want to get a b. Suppose you have a passport or another federally accepted ID. In that case, you may continue to use it to meet federal REAL ID requirements, or until you can obtain a REAL ID driver license or ID at a convenient time.”

Getting a REAL ID is not mandatory for New Jerseyans. However, starting May 7, 2025, individuals must provide a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID, or another federally approved form of identification, like a passport, to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities. Standard New Jersey driver licenses will remain valid for driving and other identification purposes.

To further expand REAL ID availability, the NJMVC will also host a new slate of REAL ID Mobile Unit events on Saturdays, starting April 5. At these events, more customers can be serviced for REAL ID at mobile license renewal and non-renewal appointments. This new slate of events is in addition to the busy Mobile Unit schedule the NJMVC maintains on weekdays in local communities across New Jersey.

The added appointments for “REAL ID Thursdays” will be available for booking starting Friday morning, March 14, on the appointment scheduler at the NJMVC website. Appointments for the new Mobile Unit events will be added to the scheduler later in March. Customers must bring the required REAL ID documents and request an upgrade to REAL ID when serviced at their appointment.

To learn more about REAL ID in New Jersey, customers should visit REALID.nj.gov.

The website contains a detailed FAQ and a document selector that helps customers identify what they need to bring to get a REAL ID: 2 proofs of residential address, 1 verifiable Social Security number, and identity documents that add up to 6 REAL ID Points.

Please visit TSA.gov for more information about federal REAL ID enforcement, including any forthcoming phased enforcement plans.

Dear Editor:

I was shocked to read an article about Barberio’s opponent being censured by PTH Councilmen. I firmly believe that their action and motivation to censure J. Musella showed neighboring townships that those councilmen have nothing else better to do than representing people who elected them into that position to address/resolve “REAL” matters to PTH residents. SHAME on them!!!

Parsippany residents aren’t fools. We see through your desperate tactics. Instead of leading, you intimidate. Instead of serving, you scheme. Instead of fixing problems, you attack the one person who is.

This town deserves better than a thug who fears accountability. It’s time to end the bullying and the dirty tricks. Justin Musella is proving every day what real leadership looks like.

Sincerely,

Elijah

Dear Editor:

I understand that Mr. Smith, as a long-time Parsippany Municipal employee, prefers the administration that he currently works for over one that might not be as certain or familiar. That is very understandable to me. In my opinion, what is NOT at all reasonable is Mr. Smith’s equating a Musella traffic stop with, what I think was, a New Jersey Court finding of illegal vote handling by Mr. Shah.

I wrote last week about why I thought the traffic stop experience of Mr. and Mrs. Musella was not important at all in voter evaluation of Mr. Musella’s candidacy for Mayor of Parsippany. I never mentioned, not thought about, the 14-year-old New Jersey State Court case finding that Mr. Shah engaged in, what I believe was, alleged as an attempt to influence an election. So, thank you, Mr. Smith for elevating this discussion and reacquainting me with this information. Frankly, if the Parsippany Republican Party leadership was eager to have a candidate join the Parsippany Town Council from the Indian ethnic community, which is a good idea, I think, Mr. Casey Parikh or Mr. Rupil Shah would have been much better choices, in my personal opinion, since they have never been accused of anything but being good and law-abiding citizens.

If Mr. Smith, or anyone, can find ANY way to fairly compare Justin Musella’s and Jigar Shah’s past actions in matters of judgement OR CHARACTER, as relates to public life, please share that with the rest of the voting citizens of Parsippany. I’d be amazed if Mr. Musella comes up short.

Hank Heller