DWI Collision: Plainfield Resident Crashes into Lakeland Transit Bus

PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, May 30, at 6:46 a.m., a traffic incident occurred involving Mr. Andrew Sanchez, a 27-year-old resident of Plainfield. While traveling on South Beverwyck Road, Mr. Sanchez turned right onto Route 46 East. Unfortunately, his vehicle collided with the rear of a Lakeland Transit Bus, unloading passengers at a bus stop. The incident damaged Mr. Sanchez’s vehicle, a 2021 White Honda Accord.

The bus driver, Mr. Robert Lane, was transported to St. Clare’s Hospital for back pain by Parsippany Emergency Medical Services.

Mr. Lane’s vehicle caused damage to the rear driver’s side of the bus.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Officer Gerrit Tosh charged Mr. Sanchez with Driving Under the influence. When a breathalyzer was administered, Mr. Sanchez had a blood alcohol level of .021. 

Officer Tosh also issued Mr. Sanchez a summons for reckless driving.

Mr. Sanchez’s vehicle was towed from the scene and placed in Police Impound. 

 

Letter to the Editor: Vote Team Kandil

Dear Editor:

I am writing to endorse Adam Kandil as a candidate and TEAM KANDIL for Township Council. As a resident of Parsippany myself, I believe Adam is an exceptional candidate who embodies the qualities we need on our council. As a lifelong Parsippany resident, Adam has demonstrated his strong commitment to our community through his extensive work as an engineer, coach, family man, and great neighbor. Adam was born and raised in Parsippany, attended Troy-Hills Elementary School, and Graduated from Parsippany High School in 2002. He graduated from Rutgers School of Engineering in 2006 and now owns his own Engineering Firm. Adam is not a Politician. He is a great person and resident who wants to do the right thing!

As an engineer, Adam has the technical expertise and experience to understand complex issues and find practical solutions. He has a proven track record of bringing ideas and projects to fruition, and his problem-solving skills will be an asset to the council.

In addition to his engineering background, Adam is also a respected coach, mentor, and community leader. His selfless dedication to serving others and building community connections is evident in his work with local youth sports teams and community events. He always tries to help others and make an impact. As a coach, he always gets the most out of his players and mentors them as he cares about them.

As a family man, devoted husband, and father of four kids, Adam is deeply invested in the well-being of our community and its future. He understands the importance of maintaining a safe and welcoming community for families like his own, and he is committed to working tirelessly to ensure that Parsippany remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

In short, Adam Kandil is the kind of leader Parsippany needs on our council. His engineering background, coaching experience, community leadership, and commitment to family values make him an outstanding candidate. I urge my fellow residents to vote for Adam Kandil for Township Council.

I urge Everyone to Vote for Team Kandil and vote for Paul Carifi Jr., Adam Kandil, and Matt McGrath this Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

They will bring Pride Back to Parsippany!

Sincerely,
Mae Anne Delos Santos

Morris County Joins Habitat for Humanity Dedication Ceremony

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers and Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw joined Morris Habitat for Humanity, Randolph Township officials, and other dignitaries and supporters for a dedication ceremony to welcome thirteen families into their new homes this week at the Crossings at Bennett Avenue.

Deputy Director Myers speaks to a crowd of families and attendees at the ceremony.
 

“It’s not just a home these families are opening the door to, but it’s the opportunity of our schools, businesses, clubs… Congratulations to all the families who now have the opportunity to live, work, and become a part of Morris County. Welcome home,” stated Deputy Director Myers.

Blair Schleicher Wilson, chief executive officer of Morris Habitat for Humanity, presided over the event held Thursday at the Randolph site, where speakers included U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Senator Anthony M. Bucco, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Randolph Mayor Lou Nisivoccia and Tom Hayes, Director of Customer and Community Relations for New Jersey Natural Gas Company (NJNG). Randolph Township Managers Gregory Poff and Stephen Mountain were also in attendance. They were recognized for contributing to the project and Randolph Councilmembers Mark H. Forstenhausler, Christine Carey, and Joe Hathaway.

Commissioner Shaw evokes a laugh from Blair Schleicher Wilson, chief executive officer of Morris Habitat for Humanity.

Commissioner Shaw praised Morris Habitat for Humanity and Randolph Township for the undertaking, reflecting on the progress and challenges overcome in turning a former E.A. Porter industrial site on the border of Victory Gardens into a picturesque neighborhood of 25 townhomes that will enhance the surrounding residential community.

“The date was October 18, 2021, and it was the groundbreaking for this historic project, the largest in Habitat’s 38-year history. It involved a redevelopment that would have been challenging even for a contractor like myself, and this was accomplished by volunteers—what an amazing accomplishment! Randolph’s leadership also deserves credit for the vision and foresight they had to donate this property to (Morris) Habitat,” said Shaw.

The ribbon is cut to the satisfaction of 13 happy families. From left to right, Commissioner Shaw, Tom Hayes, and Joe Hathaway are in the back. Senator Bucco is on the far right.

He continued, “So here we are, 4,000 volunteers and 18,000 hours later, a huge achievement for (Morris) Habitat and the families moving into these affordable, energy-efficient homes. I want to thank all the volunteers, donors, sponsors, and staff. You are all the heart and soul of this organization, and you have shown what can be done when we all work together towards a common goal.”

The dedication ceremony of the 13 units and a community center marked the completion of phase 1 of the project on Bennett Avenue, which will provide affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income families. The 25 units planned consist of seven 3-bedroom homes, fourteen 2-bedroom homes, and four 1-bedroom homes built across four buildings. First-floor condominiums are ADA-accessible, and all buildings are ENERGY STAR certified for energy efficiency, EPA WaterSense certified for water efficiency, and EPA Indoor AirPlus certified for health protection. Residents will have access to a picnic area, play area, and a bike path to stores and restaurants on South Salem Street.

The 2.5-acre property was acquired by Randolph Township in 2008 through tax foreclosure and was donated to Morris Habitat. The township was responsible for environmental remediation, demolition of existing structures, site design, approvals, and permitting. The Randolph Township Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Community Funding Grant and HUD Funding SHOP Grant, and additional funding from business sponsors, including Bayer, Lakeland Bank, GAF, and NJNG, are funding the project. Local businesses, organizations, and individuals have donated construction materials and professional services.

Morris Habitat for Humanity hosts a fundraising effort for the project that allows donors to buy bricks – every 4-by-8 inches and costs $125 – to create the pathways between the residential buildings into the new community. At their Senior Service Day in June 2021, the Mountain Lakes High School Class of 2021 raised over $10,000, and the Randolph High School Brick-by-Brick Campaign raised $7,500 in 2022. Anyone wishing to contribute to the Buy a Brick fundraising campaign can purchase their personalized brick on the Morris Habitat for Humanity website.

To date, 3,991 volunteers have donated 18,126 hours to help build the homes.

Second Successful Meet and Greet for Republican Candidates Martin and Desai

PARSIPPANY — The Republican candidates, Martin and Desai, hosted their second successful Meet and Greet event. This gathering provided an excellent opportunity for community members to meet and interact with the candidates. Attendees had the chance to learn more about Martin and Desai’s campaign platforms, discuss important issues, and ask questions directly to the candidates. The positive turnout and engagement at the event reflect the growing support and interest in their candidacy. The Meet and Greet event was crucial in connecting the candidates with the community and building momentum for their campaign leading up to the upcoming election.

The event witnessed the enthusiastic support of many new faces who turned out to back the two candidates in their campaign for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council. With the upcoming June 6 primary, Desai and Martin will compete against incumbent Councilmember Paul Carifi Jr. and newcomers Adam Kandil and Matt McGrath.

The event served as a platform for the candidates to connect with voters and build momentum for their campaigns leading up to the primary election.

Milagros Packed with Supporters of Carifi, Kandil, and McGrath

PARSIPPANY— On Wednesday, May 31, Milagros, a Mexican Restaurant, was filled with enthusiastic supporters rallying behind candidates Carifi, Kandil, and McGrath. The presence of a sizable crowd demonstrates the strong backing and support these candidates have garnered from the community. The show of support at Milagros signifies the enthusiasm and dedication of their supporters, creating an energized atmosphere surrounding their respective campaigns.
Team Carifi consists of current Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., and his running mates Adam Kandil and Matthew McGrath, who will be on the Regular Republican Organization line on the ballot.

Santosh Peddi, BettyLou DeCroce, and Tom Dinsmore
Councilman Frank Neglia, Mayor James Barberio, and Paul Breslauer
Paul Carifi Jr. took the opportunity to address the audience. As a council candidate and community representative, Carifi shared his thoughts, ideas, and goals for the future. With his speech, Carifi aimed to connect with the audience, express his vision, and communicate how he plans to make a positive impact if elected. His address provided a platform for him to engage with the community, share his perspectives, and rally support for his campaign.
Kim Kelley, Council President Loretta Gragnani, Ashley Miskovitz, and Parsippany Republican Chairwoman Delores dePierro are notable individuals who are actively involved in the political landscape of Parsippany.
George Tsimpedes, Khaled Madin, Tom Mastrangelo, and Michael dePierro.
The McGrath family
Paul Carifi, Jr., Raj Dichpally and Adam Kandil
The hard workers who help organize the event
With the collective support of Samuel Trimble (Sammy T), John Sierchio, Conrad Pepperman, and Patrick Minutillo, the team of Carifi, Kandil, and McGraft gains a diverse range of advocates who believe in their campaign’s objectives and are dedicated to working towards positive change in the community.
Paul Carifi, Jr., with Parsippany Republican Chair Delores dePierro and Council Vice President Michael dePierro
Patrick Minutillo and Morris County Commissioner Stephen Shaw
Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi and Valerie Dolan
Jigar Shah and John Sierchio, have shown their support for the candidacies of McGrath, Carifi, and Kandil. Their presence and endorsement signify the backing and belief in the abilities and platforms of these candidates.
Matt McGrath is running for a council position, seeking to contribute to the community through his candidacy. On the other hand, John Krickus is the Director of the Morris County Board of Commissioners, holding a leadership role in county government. John attended the event to show his support for the three candidates.
Mayor James Barberio of Parsippany-Troy Hills has endorsed Assemblyman Jay Webber in his re-election campaign. The mayor’s endorsement highlights his support for Webber’s candidacy and suggests a positive working relationship between the two officials.
Parsippany Republican Chairwoman Delores dePierro, Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen and Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Michael dePierro
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Gragnani and Former Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce
Paul Carifi, Jr., Debbie Coppola-Whiting and Paul Carifi, Sr.

Letter to the Editor: Don’t Re-Elect Rubber Stamps; Vote Desai & Martin

parsippany focusDear Editor:

I’m writing to encourage all Republicans in the upcoming June 6th election to vote for Gary Martin and Danny Desai, who I believe embody the promise of positive change for the vibrant community of Parsippany. For many elections, I supported Councilman Carifi until I saw how he caved to the unions when we needed him to defend us most when our town leaders discussed the PLA under pressure from the unions. I was surprised to see an all-GOP Council rubber stamp the Mayor’s sweetheart deal with the unions (minus Councilman Musella.) Worst of all, they tripped over themselves to support the Biden Mandate that Republicans in DC were fighting against at the very same time (click here)

I suspected something was fishy, so I looked at his election fund account and saw almost $8,000 in donations from his most recent fundraiser since passing the PLA:
On 1/13/23 he received $1,000 from the Bricklayers Union
On 2/01/23 he received $500 from the Roofers Union
On 1/24/23 he received $2,500 from the Carpenters Union
On 1/23/23 he received $1,000 from the Laborers Union
On 2/01/23 he received $2,600 from the Police Union
On 2/01/23 he received $500 from the Pipefitters Union

As our town faces numerous challenges and opportunities, we must elect leaders whose
judgment and mind will not be polluted by special interest groups. I don’t believe Martin and Desai exemplify these qualities, making them the ideal candidates to lead Parsippany into a brighter future.

Anthony Longo
Long-time Parsippany Republican

Mayor Barberio Backs Mastrangelo, Webber, DeCroce, and Selen

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Commissioner Tom Mastrangelo has received an endorsement from Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Jamie Barberio for the State Senate race in the 26th district. Mastrangelo is running in the Republican primary against incumbent State Sen. Joseph Pennacchio (R-Montville).

In addition to Mayor Barberio’s endorsement, four members of the Parsippany Township Council have also thrown their support behind Mastrangelo. These council members are Council President Loretta Gragnani, Council Vice President Mike DePierro, Frank Neglia, and Paul Carifi, Jr. Their endorsements further strengthen Mastrangelo’s campaign in the district.

While Mayor Barberio’s support for Tom Mastrangelo has been evident through his appearances in political mail pieces and his behind-the-scenes efforts in promoting the campaign over the past few weeks, his recent announcement serves as the first official public endorsement. The race for the State Senate seat in the 26th district has become contentious, adding to the significance of Barberio’s show of support for Mastrangelo.

Mayor James Barberio of Parsippany-Troy Hills has endorsed Assemblyman Jay Webber in his re-election campaign. The mayor’s endorsement highlights his support for Webber’s candidacy and suggests a positive working relationship between the two officials.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio had previously endorsed Jay Webber for State Assembly.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Gragnani and Former Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce.

Barberio also endorsed former Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R-Parsippany), who is challenging incumbents Jay Webber (R-Morris Plains), Brian Bergen (R-Denville), and Robert Peluso (R-Parsippany) in a bid to reclaim the seat she lost two years ago. There are two seats available.

“She is a member of our community; she knows our people and our issues; she has served the town in various ways, and I know that, if she is elected to the Assembly again, we will have a friend in Trenton who we can count on to help us in meaningful ways,” said Barberio.

Parsippany Republican Chair Delores dePierro, Tayfun Selen and Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Michael dePierro.

In the Morris County Commissioner Race, Incumbent Tayfun Selen (R-Chatham) was also endorsed by Mayor Barberio, Council President Loretta Gragnani, Vice President Michael dePierro, Paul Carifi, Jr., Frank Neglia, Justin Musella, and Parsippany Republican Chair Delores dePierro. Selen is being challenged by Paul DeGroot (R-Montville). DeGroot also challenged Selen in the CD11 in 2022 and won in the Primary but lost to Mikie Sherrill in the General Election. Sherrill ended with 56.7% of the vote, and DeGroot with 42.4%.

Individual Arrested in Relation to Vandalism of Church Sign

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert M. McNally, Sheriff James Gannon, and Morristown Chief Darnell Richardson confirmed a charge has been filed in connection with vandalism done to the sign of Church of the Redeemer in Morristown on May 20, 2023.

Following an investigation, a 22-year-old man turned into Morristown Police Department headquarters on May 30, 2023. The defendant allegedly saw surveillance photos of himself released last weekend through the Crimestoppers program. The photos were of several individuals walking east on South Street at approximately 1:26 a.m. on May 20. Some in the group were observed hitting and/or multiple damaging signs as they traveled and ultimately entered two vehicles parked on Dumont Place.

The defendant has been charged with criminal mischief, a third-degree crime, and was released on a summons. A subsequent investigation concluded that charges were not warranted for the other individuals.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office investigated whether or not the vandalism should be considered a bias incident, as the sign was close to a series of rainbow flags set up outside of the church. It was determined that vandalism does not meet the criteria to be a bias-based or hate crime as the evidence established an intent only to damage property.

Prosecutor Carroll said, “Based on our investigation, we believe this defendant demonstrated actionable conduct but not indicative of a hate-based crime. I applaud the coordination between the Morristown Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and Crimestoppers that led to this charge being filed. I thank Chief Richardson and his Department for their prompt response and Rev. Black for meeting and fully cooperating with my office, which greatly assisted the investigation.   I hope Morris County law enforcement’s combined response and thoroughness can put the community at ease.”

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Letter to Editor: Board of Ed Member Endorses Desai and Martin for Council

Dear Editor:

I am writing this letter to support Danny Desai and Gary Martin, who are running as candidates for Township Council in the June 6, 2023, Republican Primary. 

As a member of the Parsippany community since 1990, I always look to support politicians with core values that align with my own. Some of those values are honesty (even when it hurts), humility, fiscal responsibility, cost controls, transparency, listening to the members of the community they are serving, and being a representative of all community members, not just the ones who agree with them. 

Danny and Gary are two gentlemen who have those values. Both men pledged to put our community of Parsippany first and not allow outside influences to inject themselves into our Township politics. They vow to be independent voices on the Town Council and work in cooperation, not in competition, with other members of the Council. They will put ego aside and seek to reach a compromise that is in the Township’s best interests. These candidates will closely look at township spending by deeply diving into township expenditures and making appropriate choices. Danny and Gary believe in trying to leave our community a little better than it was found for the next generation.

Having volunteered on the Parsippany Board of Education for nine years, I understand the difficulty of making a positive decision when all possible options presented might be difficult. It is not an easy task, but it is an elected responsibility that I feel Danny and Gary will take on with the careful attention it deserves.

Tim Berrios

Morris County Provides Convenient Early Voting Locations for the Community

MORRIS COUNTY — The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 6. Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

These are the current locations of Early Voting locations in Morris County. These sites will be open for the 2023 Primary Election from June 2 through June 4.

Boonton Township Early Voting Location –  155 Powerville Road, Boonton Township – Friday, June 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Central Park of Morris County Early Voting Location –  2 Executive Drive, Morris Plains – Friday, June 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Denville Early Voting Location – 1 Saint Mary’s Place, Township of Denville  – Friday, June 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Hanover Early Voting Location – 15 North Jefferson Road  – Friday, June 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Madison Early Voting Location – 50 Kings Road, Madison – Friday, June 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Morristown Early Voting Location – 200 South Street, Morristown – Friday, June 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Mount Arlington Early Voting Location – 18 North Glen Avenue, Mount Arlington – Friday, June 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Mount Olive Early Voting Location – 204 Flanders-Drakestown Road, Mount Olive – Friday, June 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

In-person Mail-in ballots must be returned to the Board of Elections or deposited in an Official Ballot Drop Box by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6.

Mail-in ballots sent by the United States Postal Service must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, June 6, and received by Monday, June 12.
 
To find your polling location on Primary Day, click here.