Dear Editor:

I previously endorsed Mayor Michael Soriano for reelection earlier this summer after my retirement. In 19 days, Parsippany voters will have the opportunity to reelect Michael Soriano to a second term, and I’d again like to express my support and admiration for his continued leadership in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
During my thirty years as a police officer in Parsippany, particularly three years as Chief of Police, Mayor Soriano exhibited the highest level of administrative leadership necessary for such a large and diverse community as Parsippany.

Immediately assessing from day one that the Police Department needed to be an Accredited agency with the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police, a Community Policing function and involvement at the Police Athletic League (PAL), police bodycam deployment, and completion of the Emergency Services Communication System upgrade, Mayor Soriano quickly got to work.

During his first term, despite the pandemic shutdown, Mayor Soriano impressively and effectively ensured those critical functions were initiated and completed. To date, the Community Policing function has thrived in all facets of the Township. The Emergency Services Communication System upgrade is complete. And police bodycam deployment and Accreditation are nearing completion. From Day one, Mayor Soriano immediately addressed the need for these crucial programs. I was proud to help lead their development working hand-in-hand with the Mayor.

With a near city-size population; a correspondingly large government and Emergency Services function; and a network of interstate, state, county, and local thoroughfare roadways intersecting the entire township, the highest level of administrative and managerial attention is critically important.

Mayor Soriano’s clear vision continued commitment, constant engagement with all department heads and community leaders exemplifies the leadership and attention Parsippany needs.

For those residents who have a more intimate knowledge of how municipal government operates, and what is required for it to succeed, they know politics have less of an influence on success. Rather, sustainable success comes from a realistic vision and committed hard work through the difficult times, all of which Mayor Soriano has provided and will continue to deliver.

Ranked one of the best municipalities in NJ, Parsippany is not immune from the pandemic and fiscal difficulties still being experienced throughout our country. Despite these significant challenges, Mayor Soriano has and continues to effectively lead Parsippany while remaining focused and committed to the real issues.
Whether national, state or local government, a second term is where the vision, hard work and continued commitment come to fruition and ultimate success.

Parsippany deserves the best and Mayor Michael Soriano will continue to deliver that success.

Respectfully,
Andrew Miller
PTHPD Chief of Police (Ret.)

Dear Editor:

Usually, when political campaigns engage in underhanded tactics many of us sit back and watch without acting. However, a recent letter to the editor and the subsequent sharing of it by one of the Democratic candidates should be addressed. Cori Herbig and these actions should make all of us concerned for the future of politics in our community. Many of us have sat back and watched our town deteriorate beyond recognition due to the actions of this current administration and long desperately for change. We have seen our taxes increase, developments are negotiated, and a remarkable disregard for the employees of Town Hall. Ms. Herbig is running with Mayor Soriano to continue and support this abominable record of poor management, and what concerns me the most is the desperation in their campaign in preventing Justin Musella from winning.

Justin has been a staple of events in our community, making time and effort to attend every invitation made to him. While I believe we’re all community leaders, he has made it clear that he stands with the Indian American community without any reservations and has proven himself time and time again to be a reliable friend. He has shown that if elected, he will be a true ally to not only us, but all residents in this town regardless of their background or political affiliation. Herbig however, has made a name for herself attacking people on issues that she has little understanding of, including Soriano’s own former running mates. It truly is a shame that Herbig has decided she cannot run a campaign purely based on the issues, especially considering there are so many that affect residents daily.

Musella has made it clear, whoever wins the Mayor’s race in November would have to do what is in the best interests of the residents or face opposition from him. McCarthy and Peterson have set the standard for real representation and standing up for what they believe is right, even if it goes against the best interests of their party. Musella would continue this and prevent overreach from the executive. Herbig on the other hand would operate as an arm of Soriano and ultimately put the party first.

Let us put Herbig’s ugly and divisive campaign strategy behind us and hope that she and her running-mates come to their senses and run a respectful and engaging campaign without personal attacks.

Madhu Gadikota