MORRISTOWN — A onetime Parsippany resident who formerly taught music at a high school in Paterson is scheduled to be sentenced this morning in a sex case from 2010. Scott Van Hoven, now 48, pleaded guilty last month to performing sex acts with a 16-year-old female student in 2010. Van Hoven, who has recently been living…
Letter to the editor: June 2 Vote Republican 12, 13 and 14 for Township Council.
Dear Editor:
Tuesday, June 2 is the primary and I urge all Parsippany Republicans to get out and vote. This is an extremely important primary. Parsippany has two Republican teams vying for 3 seats on the township council. The choices are clear, Team dePierro is being financially supported by a Super PAC (NJFF) with Democratic ties and labor union support. The Carifi team “Parsippany Residents First” is being funded by hard-working taxpayers.
Republican Councilman Michael dePierro has been on the Parsippany council for 30 plus years. I thank him for his service but I am a firm believer in term limits. And after three decades clearly new blood is needed on the Parsippany council.
Recently Councilman dePierro:
- Flip flopped on a vote to authorize a forensic audit of township attorney John Inglesino’s invoices showing his firm’s payments to Aurora Security, the company that originally billed the taxpayers of Parsippany over $600,000. dePierro rescinded his yes vote without any real explanation. He left those residents who supported the audit questioning his motives.
- Ignored the fact that township attorney John Inglesino hired Aurora Security without the knowledge or consent of the entire council whose job it is to authorize such expenses.
- Supports the use of $2 million dollars of open space money for new irrigation and a driving range at the Knoll Country Club, of which he is a member. The Knoll is supposed to be a self- sustaining utility. One concern is whether the $2 million will be recouped by the township, but the bigger issue is the use of open space money to fund a project for a “self sustaining” entity.
- Does not have a problem with the township attorney Mr. Inglesino going over his budgeted amount of $420,000 for 2014 by another $402,000. Mr. Inglesino’s 1099 tax form from the township for year 2014 was $822,000.
Another member of Team dePierro, Vincent Ferrara was on the Parsippany council previously and was not re-elected his last time out. Mr. Ferrara has stated on record that “whatever the Mayor wants he will support it” and Mr. Ferrara did exactly that right or wrong. Mr. Ferrara rarely gave an individual opinion on anything. Parsippany needs council members with vision not someone who follows blindly. The dePierro team’s motto “Promoting honest, ethical and stable government” in my opinion has meant a continual rubber stamp for Mayor Inglesino, I mean Mayor Barberio (or do I). If Team dePierro is re-elected it will just be more of the same. Is this what the Parsippany residents want? I believe the residents and taxpayers of Parsippany want more accountability and transparency. It appears ethics and honesty went out the window once the dePierro team aligned themselves with the Super PAC (NJFF) with Democratic ties. This shows signs of desperation. Councilman dePierro is also a member of the Morris County Republican Committee and as such should have denounced and rejected the financial backing of this Super PAC (NJFF) with Democratic ties.
The dePierro team campaign is reminiscent of the 2013 Parsippany mayoral primary. I thought that was dirty politics at its best. Sadly, I was wrong. Could it be possible that one of the most “influential Republican’s” in New Jersey, Mr. John Inglesino has some knowledge of this Super PAC with Democratic ties (NJFF) appearance in Parsippany? Mr. Inglesino has a big stake in this primary as his position as township attorney could be affected…….What lengths would someone go to, in order to hang on to an $822,000 paycheck?
Now it’s up to Parsippany Republicans to make a choice with their vote on Tuesday June 2. While making your decision ponder the following:
- Do we elect the Republican team of dePierro that is being financially supported by a Super PAC with Democratic ties (NJFF)?
- Do we elect the dePierro team who allows a Democratic Super PAC (NJFF) to continually bombard Parsippany resident’s with vicious mailers (6 to date) filled with distorted facts either to confuse or brainwash Parsippany residents against Council President Paul Carifi. I wonder how much those mailers cost?
- In addition to the Super PAC with Democratic ties (NJFF), labor unions have now entered the municipal race in support of the dePierro team. This is unprecedented and one has to wonder what’s in it for the Democratic PAC and the unions to have the dePierro team elected? When the public meetings on the development of the Waterview tract were going on, the only outsiders to attend and support the project were union members. Is a vote for the dePierro team a gateway vote for projects that will strain Parsippany’s fire, police and EMT services, increase road congestion and add to an already inflated school budget? Parsippany residents should be weary of potential council members, a sitting mayor and the township attorney all aligned with a developer that cannot seem to get a major project off the ground through local support. Is the plan to buy votes? Do you want a township government that has sold its soul to outside interests? Something is very, very wrong with this picture.
I have attended about 90% of the bimonthly township council meetings over the past five years. I’ve listen to what council members have said and how they’ve voted on issues that will affect the quality of life for Parsippany residents and I have made my decision.
Paul Carifi, Aida Visakay and John Beehler are the team to support. Visakay and Beehler are the new blood the Parsippany council needs. Both are more than qualified and have the best interest of the Parsippany taxpayers at heart. This is the team that will bring back transparency, honesty and ethics to the Parsippany council. Council President Paul Carifi has shown his concerns for the health, safety and well-being of Parsippany residents many times either in words or actions during his brief time on the council. A great example of that was the defeat of the Waterview project, which was protested by over 500 residents whose quality of life was at stake.
I find Council President Paul Carifi to be intelligent, knowledgeable and most importantly committed to Parsippany and it’s resident’s. Council President Paul Carifi has proven over his time on the council that he is more than qualified and capable of representing Parsippany taxpayers.
June 2 Vote Republican 12, 13 and 14 for Township Council.
Pat Petaccia
Parsippany
Does your dog have what it takes to be one of “The Real Bitches of New Jersey?”
MORRIS PLAINS — Terry’s Pet Depot will be hosting a canine casting call for a new book entitled, “The Real Bitches of New Jersey,” on Sunday, May 31 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 1711 Route 10 East, Morris Plains.
“The Real Bitches of New Jersey,” will be the second in a series of “The Real Bitches” photo/caption books by creator/writer, Cathy Comora, (“The Real Bitches of Sarasota”), featuring NJ dogs and their favorite local landmarks. Cathy’s brother, David Comora, is working with Terry Sberna of Terry’s Pet Depot to coordinate the May 31 photo shoot.
“We needed dog photos for the book,” David said, “so I decided to create an event where people could bring their dogs for a photo shoot. I walked into Terry’s Pet Depot, introduced myself to her, and asked her if she might consider having a photo shoot for the book at her store. When I told her the name of the book, she laughed and immediately jumped on board!”
David hired a professional portrait photographer, Renato Sexias, of Renato’s Portrait Studio in Pompton Lakes, to take photos of the dogs. All owners who attend the event with their dogs dressed up will receive a free digital image, and dogs whose pictures are chosen for the book will each receive a free portrait.
David and Terry ask that you please come with your dogs already dressed in a funny costume or fancy dress. “We are primarily interested in dogs dressed as females, but some studs may be included in the book as well.”
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Terry’s Pet Depot at (973) 538-7387.
Today is Primary Day…. Polls open 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
PARSIPPANY — The Primary Election is today, Tuesday, June 2, and Parsippany Focus knows there are many candidates running in Parsippany, both Republican and Democrat.
If you are registered to vote Republican, you can only cast your vote for Republican candidates, likewise if you are Democrat you can only cast your vote for Democratic candidates. New Jersey is a closed primary state. This means that only voters who affiliate with a political party may vote in that party’s candidate selection process (i.e., the primary election). However, unaffiliated voters may declare their party affiliation up to and including the day of the primary election.
Republican
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council – four year term (vote for three)
Paul Carifi, Jr., Aida Visakay and John Beehler – www.parsippanyresidentsfirst.com
Michael dePierro, Vincent Ferrara and Loretta Gragnani – www.facebook.com/parsippanywins
General Assembly – two year term: Jay Webber and BettyLou DeCroce are the only candidates, vote for two.
Board of Chosen Freeholders – three year term: vote for three.
John Cesaro, Christine Myers and Angelo Tedesco, Jr. – www.morrisfirst.com
David Scapicchio, John Krickus and Deborah Smith – www.morrisconservatives.com
Thomas Mulligan
Democrat
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council – four year term (vote for three)
Nicholas Kumburis, Janice McCarthy and Gregory B. Elbin – www.positiveparsippany.com
Thomas C. Fulco
General Assembly – two year term: Wayne B. Marek and Avery Hart, vote for two.
Board of Chosen Freeholders – three year term: There are no petitions filed
Need to vote early? If you are interested in voting early at the Morris County Board of Elections may do so, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., up until Monday, June 1 at 3:00 p.m. In addition, they will have extended hours for voting until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28 and from 8:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday, May 30. They are located at Administration & Records Building, 2nd Floor; 10 Court Street, Morristown.
Mail-in Ballots: Your Mail-in Ballot must be received by the County Board of Elections before close of polls on Election Day. They are located at Administration & Records Building, 2nd Floor; 10 Court Street, Morristown.
Where to vote: Click here to find where to vote.
Parsippany Focus will be reporting the results of the election on Tuesday, June 2 as soon as the polls close and results are being released.
You can also view the election results on the Morris County Election site, by clicking here.
Since Parsippany Focus was first printed in 1989, we do not endorse any candidate at any political level.
Don’t forget to sign up on our mailing list to receive daily updates from Parsippany Focus. Focus promises not to sell or lend our mailing list to anyone. Normally, we send only one email per day, unless there is a major story breaking that effects the residents of Parsippany.
Editors Note: A correction to this article was made on May 28 at 11:00 a.m. stating “there are no democratic petitions filed for the Board of Chosen Freeholders.”
Attention Bargain Hunters: New Sears Outlet Store Opens in Cedar Knolls
CEAR KNOLLS — Sears Cedar Knolls announces the opening of a new Sears Outlet at 235 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls.
Celebrating its grand opening celebration, the Sears Outlet Store welcomes local community to enjoy an additional discount of 10 percent off almost everything in the store* plus special giveaways of a free washer and dryer.
“We look forward to becoming the bargain hunter’s paradise for the Morris County community, offering customers great deals on entry-level priced to high end home appliances, grills, lawn mowers, patio furniture, small kitchen appliances, home goods and more,” said Debbie Tassillo, store manager of the new Sears Outlet in Cedar Knolls.
Each Sears Outlet Store, on average, offers shoppers more than 18,000 square feet of retail space stocked with hundreds of items marked significantly lower than manufacturers’ suggested retail prices. Each location provides customers in-store and online access to new, one-of-a-kind, discounted, used, reconditioned, overstocked and cosmetically blemished products across a broad assortment of merchandise categories – including home appliances, lawn and garden equipment, apparel, mattresses and sporting goods and tools.
In addition to discounted and special-buy products, Sears Outlet offers reconditioned merchandise that undergoes a stringent testing process and, when necessary, have cosmetic parts replaced and/or repaired before becoming approved to be an Outlet Certified item. Customers purchasing a Certified Appliance or other item from a Sears Outlet Store should expect significant discounts off the original retail price, a fully functional and operational unit, and the assurance that the until still meets Sears quality standards as the nation’s leading retailer of appliance and appliance-related products. Customer also benefit from delivery and installation services offered by Sears Outlet.
The Sears Outlet store in Cedar Knolls can be reached at (973) 984-0098 and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
To learn more about Sears Outlet Stores, click here.
Redhawks Girls Softball team will play in State Championship
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Redhawks Girls Softball team has made it to the Section 2 State Championship game.
All Parsippany residents should come and support the Redhawk Girls and wish them the very best.
The game will be held on Friday, May 29, at 4:00 p.m. at Bernards High School, located at 25 Olcott Avenue, Bernardsville.
On Wednesday, May 26, The Redhawks played against Caldwell at Parsippany High School in the NJSIAA Tournament, Semifinal Round, North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2 – Softball, and the score was Parsippany 4, Caldwell 2.
Mayor presents Woman’s Club with a proclamation
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Mayor James Barberio presented the Parsippany-Troy Hills Woman’s Club with a proclamation proclaiming the month of May 2015 as Mental Health Month during which time he encourages efforts on public awareness and education related to mental illness.
The proclamation read:
Whereas, mental health is defined as emotional and psychological well-being, which allows individuals to work, enjoy satisfying relationships and participate fully in their communities; and
Whereas, approximately 25 percent of people experience a diagnosable mental health condition in their lifetime; and
Whereas, mental illness accounts for four of the top ten leading causes of disability; and
Whereas, studies show that mental health is a significant component of physical health; and
Whereas, studies have shown that every dollar invested in evidence-based treatment yields $2 to $10 in savings from lost productivity as well as health, criminal justice and other costs; and
Whereas, when offered adequate services, wellness and recovery are possible for all who live with mental illness; and
Whereas, mental health awareness, prevention and education encourage individuals to seek professional and/or social support; and
Whereas, the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of NJ are working together to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to advance treatment opportunities for individuals with mental illness.
Now therefore, I, James R. Barberio, Mayor of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2015 as Mental Health Month during which time I encourage efforts on public awareness and education related to mental illness. I further urge citizens to maintain mental health and learn the symptoms of mental illness in order to get help when it is needed.
Hummer makes it out ok; Nissan towed from scene: No Injuries
PARSIPPANY — Mr. Nicholas Ruggiero, 72, East Hanover, was making an illegal turn in front of Mr. Peter Nagy, 55, also of East Hanover and slightly entered the parking lot in order to make the turn. Mr. Ruggiero’s 2003 Hummer did not yield to the 2006 Nissan Altima as he was re-entering traffic causing Mr. Nagy’s vehicle to collide with Mr. Ruggiero.
Mr. Ruggiero was at fault, and was issued a summons for “Failure to Observe Stop or Yield Sign.”
Mr. Nagy’s vehicle was towed from the scene by Corigliano Towing.
The accident which on Wednesday, May 20 at 1:27 p.m. was investigated by Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Brian Keek.
There were no injuries reported. Parsippany-Troy Hills District 5 Haz-mat team responded to clean up the chemicals in the roadway.