Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen Announces Re-Election Bid

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen Announces Re-Election Bid

MORRIS COUNTY — Republican Tayfun Selen, who serves as Director of the Morris County Board of Commissioners, announced his reelection for another term in 2023 alongside two dozen county Republican leaders including 20 Morris County Mayors.

“I’m proud of my record of holding the line on taxes each year, maintaining our highest-possible bond rating, and leading one of the best-run counties in America. I’m seeking another term to continue providing conservative management of our tax dollars, especially against the backdrop of sky-high inflation and gas prices that are eating away at family budgets,” said Tayfun Selen, a former Chatham Township Mayor, and Three-year County Commissioner. “I’m honored and humbled to have the support of our Sheriff Jim Gannon, six County Commissioner colleagues, and 18 Mayors across Morris County. We will be announcing even more support as the campaign progresses in the weeks ahead. I’m excited to get started.”

Prior to becoming a Commissioner, Selen served as Chatham Township Mayor. He previously earned his MBA and CPA license and has worked in corporate real estate for two decades.

“Having served alongside Tayfun for three years now in county government, I know he brings a valuable outside business perspective that benefits all of us. His many years in corporate America managing nine-figure budgets and hundreds of employees makes him a real asset to Morris County,” said longtime Republican Commissioner Doug Cabana. “With inflation driving up the cost of everything from groceries to gas, it’s important now more than ever that we elect proven conservatives like Tayfun to avoid higher taxes and keep things affordable for families and seniors. I’m proud to stand with him.”

“Tayfun gets it – not only as a business executive but as a former Mayor who understands the pressures local officials go through to balance budgets and invest in their communities. As someone who has stopped tax hikes four years in a row, including cutting property taxes in 2019, voters can trust they have someone looking out for them,” said Jefferson Township Mayor Eric Wilsusen.

Among the list of endorsements include:
• Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon
• Morris County Commissioner and Deputy Director John Krickus
• Morris County Commissioner Doug Cabana
• Morris County Commissioner Deb Smith
• Morris County Commissioner Steve Shaw
• Morris County Commissioner Kathy DeFillippo
• Morris County Commissioner-Elect Christine Myers
• Township of Denville – Thomas W. Andes, Mayor
• Township of Jefferson – Eric F. Wilsusen, Mayor
• Township of Montville – Frank W. Cooney, Mayor
• Township of Mount Olive – Robert Greenbaum, Mayor
• Township of Roxbury – Jim Rilee, Mayor
• Township of Rockaway – Joseph Jackson, Mayor
• Township of Washington – Matthew Murello, Mayor
• Township of Boonton – Paul Allieri, Mayor
• Borough of Butler – Ryan Martinez, Mayor
• Township of Chatham – Ashley Felice, Mayor
• Township of Chester – Mike Inganamort, Mayor Elect
• Borough of Chester – Janet Hoven, Mayor
• Township of Hanover – John L. Ferramosca, Mayor
• Township of Hanover – Ron Francioli, Mayor (Fmr.)
• Borough of Kinnelon – Jim Freda, Mayor
• Borough of Mendham – Christine Serrano-Glassner, Mayor
• Borough of Mount Arlington – Michael Stanzilis, Mayor
• Township of Pequannock – Melissa Florance-Lynch, Mayor
• Borough of Riverdale – Mayor Paul Carelli
• Borough of Rockaway – Thomas Mulligan, Mayor
• Borough of Wharton – William J. Chegwidden, Mayor

Tayfun Selen is a proven fiscal conservative, experienced businessman, and American success story. Selen immigrated from Turkey with a degree in architecture in 1996, pumping gas and working entry-level jobs before earning an MBA and his CPA license. He earned his U.S. citizenship in 2008 and managed major corporate real estate operations with over 100 employees and several hundred million dollar budgets. Today, he is an executive with Major Vocational Education Group, which builds well-paying trade skills as an alternative to a liberal arts education. Selen previously served as Chatham Township Mayor, and later filled a vacancy on the Morris County Commission in February 2020. He was selected by his peers in December 2021 to serve as Director of the Morris County Board of Commissioners.

Morris County Man Charged with Distribution of Child Pornography

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Man Charged with Distribution of Child Pornography

BOONTON — A Morris County man was arrested for distributing videos and images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

William Harbeson, 82, of Boonton, is charged by complaint with one count of distribution of child pornography. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court on November 22 and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From May 2022 to September 2022, Harbeson distributed videos of child sexual abuse via a publicly available online peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing program. An undercover law enforcement officer conducted online sessions using the P2P program, during which a user shared hundreds of videos and images of child sexual abuse from an IP address traced to Harbeson’s address. Subsequent to a lawful search of his residence, law enforcement officers recovered at least 38 videos and 351 images of child sexual abuse on Harbeson’s hard drive.

The count of distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Farhana C. Melo of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.

Click here to read a copy of the complaint.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department Annual Pancake Breakfast

Frank L. Cahill
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Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department Annual Pancake Breakfast

PARSIPPANY — The Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and Firefighters District 3 is holding its 19th annual Pancake Breakfast.

The breakfast will be held on Sunday, November 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Firehouse, 255 Halsey Road.

The breakfast will feature pancakes, sausages, bagels, orange juice, and coffee. If you don’t want to dine inside, take-out will be available.

$10.00 per person, Seniors (60 and over) $7.00, children 2 to 8 years old $5.00, and children under two years old is free.

 

Parsippany Green Team Recycles Holiday String Lights

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Green Team Recycles Holiday String Lights

PARSIPPANY — This past year, over 300 lbs. of holiday string lights that would have ended up in a landfill were recycled for scrap by the Parsippany Green Team.

In cooperation with Parsippany Town Hall, the holiday string light collection that began last year was set to last a few months. The response from residents was very positive and the recycling endeavor will continue.

Parsippany residents can drop off old (screw-in bulb lights) and new (LED type) lights that work or don’t work at designated collection bins at two locations: Parsippany Recycling Center, 1 Pump House Road, or Parsippany P.A.L., 33 Baldwin Road.

“Residents use holiday lights year round, not only for popular holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Halloween but for birthdays, anniversaries, and interiors, but they seem to have a short life span,” states Matt Kavanaugh, Parsippany Green Team Leader. “Recycling holiday lights keeps them out of landfills and repurposes them for future use.

The Parsippany Green Team, comprised of volunteer residents, helped the town achieve bronze status for Sustainable Jersey. For more information click here.

Parsippany Resident Minnie Serratelli Turns 103

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Resident Minnie Serratelli Turns 103

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Resident Minnie Serratelli turned 103 on November 14. Minnie is a resident of CareOne.

Mayor Barberio said “On behalf of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, I am delighted to extend my sincere congratulations to Minnie Serratelli on the occasion of your One Hundred & Third Birthday. Today you mark an extraordinary milestone – your 103rd birthday. May this celebration be an especially joyful reminder of more than a century of living life right and a happy addition to fond memories of birthdays past.”

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio presented Minnie Serratelli with a certificate congratulating her on her 103rd birthday

Councilman Musella Starts Petition Against Parsippany’s Labor Agreement

Frank L. Cahill
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Councilman Musella Starts Petition Against Parsippany’s Labor Agreement

PARSIPPANY — A petition to reverse the heavy-handed and expensive blanket Project Labor Agreements (PLA) started circulating throughout Parsippany. In the petition, residents are demanding Parsippany officials who supported the PLA to make more sensible decisions around the use of public funds to benefit Parsippany residents, and not to cave into out-of-town, political interest groups.

The petition flyer was mailed to all Parsippany residents
The petition flyer was mailed to all Parsippany residents

On October 18, the Parsippany Township Council voted 4-1 to mandate blanket project labor agreements for all township capital projects over $5 million. Under this approved PLA sanction, taxpayers will be paying 25-37% more for major township development projects during this time of severe inflation and potential recession the township and country are experiencing. The cost overrun estimates are based on the increased project costs in towns that have already adopted PLA mandates, such as Toms River and Montclair. (Click here to read a related article)

The PLA means that municipal public-works projects costing at least $5 million must have a pre-established collective bargaining agreement. This gives certain unionized workforces advantages in obtaining contracts for these projects.

Supporters have said the agreement helps guarantee skilled labor and eliminates delays that can arise from labor conflicts or worker shortages. But critics, including Musella and many residents, say such arrangements will drive up costs for the township trying to work its way out of budgetary woes.

The Petition’s goal is to convey to the Councilpersons who supported the PLA that this culture of overburdening taxpayers with pricey mandates is causing community members financial harm while driving other residents out of town to less expensive areas.

Musella wants to obtain 1,000 signatures before making a case to the council and Mayor James Barberio to reverse course on the project labor agreement ordinance. At the time this article was written, almost 24 hours after the petition was started there were over 300 signatures.

The audience attending the Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 22.

At the council meeting on Tuesday, November 22, Mayor James Barberio responded “I got the letter today with regards to the PLA, the repeal of the PLA. There’s a lot of misinformation that the councilman is spreading out there with regard to the PLA and the residents don’t know all the facts. I don’t want the residents of Parsippany to be misinformed. There is an organization called the ABC, Associated Buildings and Construction and their propaganda keep going out. I haven’t seen one member of them come here to ask the council any questions whatsoever. None whatsoever. So maybe they’re using the Councilman as a piece to do that. Don’t know.”

Parsippany Focus emailed each council member and Mayor Barberio on Tuesday for written comment, but there was no response from the four council members who voted for the PLA, nor the Mayor.

Residents can simply click here to sign the petition.

Union workers met at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 102, 50 Parsippany Road, on Tuesday, October 18, and drove in caravans to Parsippany Hills High School to attend the Council Meeting. The meeting was moved to the high school due to the large number of union members expected to attend. Pictured is a truck with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters logo. A large video sign on the side of the truck displayed the image “PLA ALL THE Way.”
Vehicles owned by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 102 were parked at Parsippany Hills High School on October 18

Envy Sports Donates Food to Parsippany Food Pantry

Frank L. Cahill
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Envy Sports Donates Food to Parsippany Food Pantry

PARSIPPANY — ENVY Sports Club & Pools held a Thanksgiving Food Drive for the Parsippany Food Pantry.

New guests received a Free Day Pass and Existing Members received a Free Guest Pass for just bringing in non-perishable foods to be donated.

Scott Donnelly, Sales Manager of ENVY Sports Club, explained that “As a Family and Veteran owned business one of our top priorities is to give back to our local community. Our faithful resort members and passionate staff are proud to make a positive impact on people’s lives and bring joy to those around them. Giving back, especially during the holiday season, is a noble cause and we are eager to help those in need any way we can.”

“ENVY Sports Club & Pools understands the importance of our members’ and guests’ experiences. Our team has created a well-rounded multifaceted health and fitness environment for all ages.” ENVY offers a Year-Round Indoor Pool, Seasonal Outdoor Pool, Pool Parties & Events, Heated Sauna, Swim Lessons, Cold & Hot Tubs, Personal Training, Holistic Spa & Masseuse, Weight Machines, Free Weights, Cardio Equipment, Racquetball Court, Group Fitness Classes, and more.”

ENVY Sports Club and Pools is located under the Sheraton Castle at 199 Smith Road, Parsippany. For more information call (973) 560-5410 and visit their Website, Instagram, or Facebook. ENVY’s hours are Sunday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Monday to Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Parsippany Food Pantry is located in the Parsippany Community Center at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. For more information call (973) 263-7163 or visit their Website. The Food Pantry hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

ENVY Sports Club & Pools is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Sewa Diwali Conducted Massive Food Drive to Donate to Parsippany Food Pantry

Frank L. Cahill
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Sewa Diwali Conducted Massive Food Drive to Donate to Parsippany Food Pantry

PARSIPPANY — Sewa Diwali conducted a massive food drive and donated over 3,200 pounds of non-perishable food to the Parsippany Food Pantry on Monday, November 21.

Sewa Diwali conducted a massive food drive and donated over 3,200 pounds

The groups collected another 2,600 pounds which were donated to Interfaith Food Pantry at the Morris Plains location.

Participating Organizations included HSS – Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (Hindu Service Society), Sewa International, BAPS, ISKCON, VrajDham, Sanatan Mandir, I Love Sai, and Chhapaiya Dham Temple.

Sewa Diwali conducted a food drive and donated over 3,200 pounds of non-perishable food

“Sewa Diwali”  is a nationwide food drive for the fight against hunger>

#Sewa Diwali initiative is organized by a collection of Indian American organizations and individuals rooted in Hindu values. It’s an effort by organizations and people who believe in the – “Service to Humanity is Service to Divinity.” Society’s well-being is a responsibility that we all share, and its fruits are only as nourishing as the care we put into it.

The organization has successfully organized the Sewa Diwali food drive across 32 states in 200+ townships, with the involvement of 300+ organizations. Many of the volunteers are from different organizations consisting of school students, working professionals, and entrepreneurs from all walks of life who made this happen.

Started during 2018 in Parsippany, with the simple idea of Selfless Service, i.e., giving back to Society during the festival of Diwali (Festival of Lights). During October and November, local township residents generously donated canned non-perishable foods to help needy families during Thanksgiving time.

Click here for more updates.

Video: Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – November 22, 2022

Frank L. Cahill
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Video: Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – November 22, 2022

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – November 22, 2022.

Regular Township Council Meetings commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. Council meetings are held at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.

Click here to download the agenda.

Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.

Click here to download the 2022 agenda schedule.

Mayor and Council

Mayor James R Barberio
Council President Michael J. dePierro
Council Vice-President Loretta Gragnani
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella

 

Shop Local Stores During Small Business Saturday in Morris County

Frank L. Cahill
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Shop Local Stores During Small Business Saturday in Morris County

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris Now, a new APP devoted to local businesses in Morris County is encouraging holiday shoppers to shop small on November 26 as they participate as neighborhood champions for the American Express Shop Small Saturday event.

Shopping at local small businesses on Saturday after Thanksgiving helps stimulate the economy in our communities and allows for better customer service. They also shared that by shopping locally, shoppers will find a more unique selection of products and will receive their items more quickly and conveniently.

Shop Small Saturday, which began in 2010 as a nationwide effort by American Express is working together to support small business education to help business promote their stores.

Frank Cahill, the creator of the Morris Now APP, designed the app to help the economy of small businesses in Morris County. Many small businesses had. a rough time during COVID-19, and the APP helps the residents of Morris County find local businesses within their community.  The APP currently has over 15,000 small mom-and-pop businesses listed absolutely free.  If your business is not listed, submit it using this link: https://morrisnow.com/business-home.html.

The APP is totally FREE for any consumer to download and is available on Google Play and the Apple Store by searching for “MORRIS NOW.”

From now until December 31, every newly registered user will automatically receive a $10.00 Gift Card to IHOP locations in Parsippany, Kenvil, or Cedar Knolls. In addition, you have an opportunity to win a $50.00 gift card from California Pizza Kitchen.

With Morris Now, you Experience the Evolution of your Business. A brand new way to reach new heights. Join hands with the community in the app and see the results. We are connecting the locals to the locally owned small businesses | Bridging the gap between LOCAL revenue and LOCAL businesses.

The powerful Pro Series Bluetooth Beacon option will take any business into the hottest trend in marketing techniques to date! The optionally supplied beacons will place YOUR business’s current promotion on your customer’s Apple™ or Android™ mobile devices RIGHT WHEN THEY DRIVE BY YOUR BUSINESS! Your new Bluetooth beacon will be your best-selling employee 24/7 as it broadcasts your promotions out to the passing customer devices with the app!

For more information or to have your LOCAL BUSINESS listed visit morrisnow.com or call (973) 559-6000.

 

 

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