Former BOE Member and Democratic Candidate for Township Council Endorses Musella For Council

Frank L. Cahill
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Former BOE Member and Democratic Candidate for Township Council Endorses Musella For Council

PARSIPPANY — The former Democratic candidate for Parsippany Township Council and former BOE member, Nick Kumburis, announced his endorsement of Justin Musella for Township Council. Justin Musella is running for Township Council to bring a new way forward to the governance of Town Hall and prevent residents from being affected by the rampant mismanagement in the current Administration.

“As a former Democratic candidate for the office of Township Council and a former Board of Education member, I understand the qualities required to bring steady leadership to our local government. I believe that Justin Musella possesses those very qualities and, if elected, will represent our residents well on the Township Council. I was fortunate enough to meet Justin in his travels across town door knocking for his preferred candidates last year, being genuinely pleased the more we talked. As we spoke, he listened to my concerns, answered detailed questions on policy, and fostered a dialogue on issues affecting our neighborhood. In our increasingly polarized political landscape, it is critical that we elect representatives that can make decisions based on the needs of our citizens, rather than candidates, who seek only to further their party’s political agenda. I recognized that Justin genuinely works to understand the needs and wants of our residents and will vote in our best interest.

We currently have two incumbent Democrats who place the needs of residents first, even if this means disagreement and conflict with the current administration. My former running mate in 2015, Janice McCarthy, and Emily Peterson are strong, free-thinking, and dedicated individuals who have consistently worked across the aisle to ensure the best for our Township. Unfortunately, this unwillingness to allow the current administration to mismanage our local government unfairly cost them their party line position. Even with this, they continue to represent us well and ask questions of the administration that we deserve to receive answers on. I believe that Justin will act in very much the same way, ensuring the Council continues to act as a separate branch of government that will check the executive regardless of who occupies the office.

While Justin will be the youngest member of the council by far, he will represent a generation yearning to be heard. As the demographics shift to a younger populace, it is vital that this group has someone to voice their unique concerns. His vibrant and energetic nature will bring new thinking in resolving long-standing issues and bring back hope for a better Parsippany. Ensuring tax dollars are well-spent, preventing further tax increases that residents can’t afford, and proposing new ways of eliminating the rampant mismanagement that has plagued our local government for the past three years are just a few of the areas of focus he will work toward. With critical issues affecting our township, such as a budget crisis that our mayor has declined to take responsibility for, and unnecessary conflict between the administration and the BOE over school security, and a complete disregard for the will of Parsippany residents when it comes to overdevelopment, it is important we elect Justin to “clean up Parsippany” after this election.

I will be voting for Justin Musella this fall, whether you are a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, I strongly encourage you to do the same.”

Parsippany Police Seeking Special Law Enforcement Officer Class III

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Police Seeking Special Law Enforcement Officer Class III

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Class III Special Law Enforcement Officer. The Class III Special Law Enforcement Officer shall conduct school safety and security duties within the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District.

Applications are due by August 13, 2021

Minimum Qualifications:
• The applicant must be a retired law enforcement officer less than 65 years of age, who served as a duly qualified, fully-trained, full-time officer in any municipality or county of this State or as a member of the State Police and was separated from that prior service in good standing, within three years of appointment to this position. “Good standing” shall exclude a retirement resulting from injury or incapacity.
• Provide a Letter of Good Standing issued by the Chief of the Department you retired from listing the date and type of retirement the applicant received.
• Possess an NJ Police Training Commission Basic Police Officer Certification of NJ State Police Academy Certification.
• Be a resident of the State of New Jersey during his or her term of appointment to this position.
• Be of good moral character and must not have been convicted of any offense involving dishonesty as would make the applicant unfit to perform his or her duties.
• The applicant must possess a valid New Jersey Driver’s License.
• The applicant must successfully pass a background investigation.

• Any applicant offered a conditional offer of employment will be required to pass a medical examination, psychological evaluation, and drug screening.

Starting Salary for the Class III Special Law Enforcement Officer will be $35.00 per hour and they will work a schedule of up to 40 hours weekly, which will be determined upon hiring. The Class III Special Law Enforcement Officer will only work when school is in session.

For a complete list of minimum qualifications required by law, please refer to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.10.

Applications can be obtained at Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Hall located at:
1001 Parsippany Blvd
Parsippany, NJ 07054
or
Click here for the application.
Applications must be submitted to Town Hall.
Please contact socialmedia@parpolice.com with any questions.

Parsippany Police Department Seeks Public Safety Telecommunicator

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Police Department Seeks Public Safety Telecommunicator

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Public Safety Telecommunicator. Applications are due by August 31, 2021.

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Must pass a background check

Workweek: Follows 4×4 work schedule, days/nights. Mandatory overtime may be required to accommodate ongoing shifts.

Definition: Supervised Trainee receives and responds to incoming telephone or other electronic requests for emergency assistance including law enforcement, fire, medical, or other emergency services, and/or dispatches appropriate units to response sites. This titled position may not perform all duties listed in this job description and duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Skills/Duties: Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, and understand, and communicate sufficiently in English to perform the duties of this position. Applicants will learn how to use 911, CAD, CJIS, NCIC, and other various systems used by the Police Department.

Maintains a reassuring, calming manner with callers to obtain the required information. Persuades emergency callers to stay on the line. Seeks guidance from supervisory personnel when circumstances warrant significant deviation from preestablished response plans.

In response to medical emergencies, is/will be trained in EMD-Emergency Medical Dispatch to stabilize the medical condition of persona until the arrival of professional medical assistance.

In nonmedical emergencies, may provide precautionary instructions and advice to help ensure the personal safety of persons and/or to minimize loss of property pending arrival of fire, police, or other assistance.

May dispatch nonemergency personnel or equipment. Relays information or instructions to field units via radio or mobile data terminal. As instructed, coordinates the dispatching of units involving two or more government jurisdictions.

Maintains a constant update on the status of emergency units in the field via CAD and radio.

Applications can be obtained at Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Hall located at:
1001 Parsippany Blvd Parsippany, NJ 07054
or
Click here to download the application.

Applications must be submitted to Town Hall.

Please contact socialmedia@parpolice.com with any questions.

Letter to the Editor: On the Delayed Budget Parsippany Who is Responsible Council or Mayor, Is it Really a Crisis or a Fabrication? 

Frank L. Cahill
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Dear Editor:

Can not help to think, the Budget is being used as a mechanism to impede the Soriano Administration. Why has not the municipal budget been approved? Ask the republican council.

The town is still functioning; and at least we stopped raiding the water/sewer surplus which should be held in trust for those purposes only; which apparently they were not. (The former Christie Administration used raiding State Funds held in trust for certain purposes for tax fixed; notability Open Space Monies; Barberio was a big Christie supported).

Without seeing COVID’s background in all this is simply using the pandemic for political mind-bending.

If Par rating was AAA, how could this have suddenly changed; “by Council holding up a budget”? A former Soriano Administrator proposed a $4.32 a month average tax hike rejected by the council, that would have done the trick…Why was this rejected?

Council may reduce any item or items in the mayor’s budget by a vote of a majority of the council, but an increase in any item or items therein shall become effective only upon an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members of Council…

August 3, 2021 meeting should be interesting on the subject of the Water System Update; which was in a state of entropy; how much is that costing, and is it depending on a deficit in the surplus caused by former raiding of those funds by the former administration? ( Councilwoman McCarthy explained this in detail)

Is the 15% tax raise Councilman dePierro referring to the water/sewer rate increased voted on by Council to financially manage the degraded water infrastructure? (The slight monthly tax increase would of cover it, along with letting the water/sewer surplus not be raided for other purposes. The senior state tax freeze would have returned this tax raise to resident taxpayers the fee imposed does not.

The former administration had no transparency in its payments to former attorney Inglesino, his Aurora Security hiring for the Carifi Fiasco, and the over $4 million of “local open space funding” that was surrendered to RD developer for a buffer called open space at Waterview. The fact that our water infrastructure was in need of upgrades and suffering from age, was ignored. Where were the disturbed minds then?

Our 2-Party system has divided the US; rather than allowing elements of dynamic human possibilities to have a dialogue we limit ourselves to arguments and taking sides. All is the scene for or against; rather than a true Method of enquiring into the bottom of things and impartially judging according to the weight of proper merit. So it’s simple any democrat can never be right about anything, and lies and distortions prevail. Including those stated by Political BOE members against the Mayor accusing Police to be taken from schools.

Faulkner Act (OMCL) Mayor-Council-Administrator NJSA:40:69A-149 et. seq. VOTERS ELECT MAYOR

Presides over Council. Exercises the executive power of the municipality. Votes only to break ties. Has veto subject to override by 2/3 of all Council members. Appoints municipal clerk, administrator, attorney, tax collector, tax assessor, treasurer, and department heads with Council approval. May remove department heads upon written notice to Council.

COUNCIL
Exercises legislative power of the municipality. Approves Mayor’s appointees for municipal clerk, administrator, attorney, tax collector, tax assessor, treasurer, and department heads. May remove department heads for cause after a hearing. Prepares budget with the assistance of municipal administrator and treasurer.

Nick Homyak

Mental Health Stigma In Asian Culture

Focus contributor
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Mental Health Stigma In Asian Culture

By: Esha Patel, is a Junior at Parsippany Hills High School

MORRIS COUNTY — Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be in another culture’s environment? Well, I’m about to give you the inside scoop on the stigma behind mental health in the Asian community.

To most members, poor mental health simply doesn’t exist. In this case, the Asian community thinks they are helping their members become mentally stronger by encouraging them to suppress their emotions, but in reality, they are creating a mental health crisis for the individuals who are engaged in the suppression. With the stigma around mental health in Asian culture, it is normalized to assume mental health is not much of a significance anymore.

For example, research conducted and led by Abe-Kim et al. in the United States aimed to determine how many individuals in the Asian community were actually getting the mental health assistance they needed. The study noted,  “…only 8.6 percent of Asian-Americans sought any type of mental health services or resource compared to nearly 18 percent of the general population nationwide” (Spencer et al., 2010). With that 8.6 percentage, it proves the clarity of how little the Asian culture views the seriousness of mental help and awareness. It goes to show how they believe that it is okay for people to suffer in silence rather than getting the help that they need. Parents of Asian culture set very clear expectations for their children as they want them to succeed.

However, they fail to realize that the expense of that, comes with a cost of their child’s mental health and how much pressure is put on young kids growing up. Furthermore, in circulation with society and its embedded judgment, people, specifically when it comes to individuals in the Asian community, feel that they are obligated to live up to those stereotypical expectations.

One’s environment can affect their emotions and their way of thinking as one is continuously conditioned to think their mental health is not important enough to be prioritized and rather more of a burden instead. In this day and age, people value holding up their position in society or in school more than addressing mental exhaustion. The fear of being judged based on something that is considered a weakness overpowers the need to address these serious issues that could slowly and ultimately shadow over an individual’s true strength. Because it is not clearly seen and spoken about, much of the society in the Asian community aim to push their children to be the best, but in doing so, also simultaneously downplay the importance of mental health and what that can unhealthy lead to.

Side note: Despite what society has to think or say, your mental health is important! I urge you to put that as your top priority and get help if needed.

Vehicle Runs Off Roadway and Crashes into Woods

Frank L. Cahill
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Vehicle Runs Off Roadway and Crashes into Woods

PARSIPPANY — Mr. Michael Hallacy, 18, Tenafly, was driving a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta on New Road when he may have fell asleep and ran off the roadway (to the right), and struck a curb. This accident occurred on Monday, August 1 at 11:44 p.m.

The vehicle is in the woods after the crash
Parts from the vehicle laying on the side of the road
The vehicle being lifted up by an Ajjaco Towing crane
The vehicle being lifted up by an Ajjaco Towing crane

After traveling over the curb the vehicle continued across a grass lawn and began to yaw left. Once across the grass lawn, it crossed the asphalt driveway of 229 New Road, before it struck an aluminum fence. The vehicle had gone through the fence, struck a tree with the front driver’s side portion of the vehicle.

This collision separated the driver’s front wheel and suspension assembly from the vehicle and acted as a pivot point to spin the vehicle further. As the spun in a counter-clockwise direction, it then struck another tree with the right rear wheel. The vehicle then vaulted off four feet retaining wall, traveling another 20 feet into a wooded area.

The vehicle came to a final rest in the woods, facing the opposite direction in which it was traveling.

Hallacy was conscious and alert upon arrival and suffered from multiple facial lacerations as well as a visibly fractured lower right leg/ankle. The windshield on the driver’s side was impacted from the inside and broken outwards. The driver’s seatbelt was fully retracted.

Open containers of alcohol were discovered inside the vehicle, but Hallacy did not display signs of impairment, due to alcohol or narcotics.

The vehicle being lifted up by an Ajjaco Towing crane

Hallacy stated that he did not recall what happened, but he awoke to the vehicle crashing. Officer Daniel Ross determined that Hallacy may have fallen asleep while traveling down the roadway and this was the primary cause of the crash.

The vehicle being lifted up by an Ajjaco Towing crane

Hallacy was transported to Morristown Medical Center by Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance.

Hallacy was charged with 39:4-88, Failure to Observe Traffic Lanes, and 39:4-51B, Possession of open, unsealed alcoholic beverage containers.

Damage on the property of 229 New Road consisted of a cobble curb, grass lawn, Black Aluminum fence, Tree on the property, and wooden retaining wall.

Mr. Hallacy’s vehicle was towed from the scene by Ajaco Towing.

The area where the vehicle landed in the woods
The fence was destroyed by the accident

Parsippany-Troy Planning Board Meeting – July 26, 2021

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Planning Board Meeting – July 26, 2021

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Planning Board Meeting – July 26, 2021

Click here to download the agenda.

Department of Community Affairs to Assess Penalties to Township Council

Frank L. Cahill
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Department of Community Affairs to Assess Penalties to Township Council

PARSIPPANY — In a letter dated July 15 to the Mayor and Members of the Governing Body, the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) stated “failure to comply with the Local Budget Law subjects you to penalties. These penalties consist of a PERSONAL PENALTY in the amount of $25.00 each day that a budget has not been introduced by July 30.”

The township budget should be introduced in February and adopted in March.

As of today, Monday, August 2, the budget has not been introduced by the Township Council.

“The submission of the budget is now three months overdue, as the Local Finance Board granted an extension to March 30 (or your next regularly scheduled meeting thereafter),” said the DCA.

Mayor Soriano submitted a revised budget to the Township Council at the Tuesday, July 20 meeting.

“The Parsippany Township Mayor and Administration worked on the budget for seven months. They expect the Township Council to complete its job in one week … not going to happen. The Administration has solved its deficit problems by pushing a lot of its problems into 2022. The Council needs to understand the effects of kicking so much of the can down the road. We need to try to find a balance so we pay down some of that deficit in 2021 and not just push it all into 2022. It seems odd that Parsippany is the only town in New Jersey to receive a threatening letter from DCA. We are not the only town that has not yet adopted a budget,” stated Council President Michael dePierro.

Mayor Michael Soriano responded to Parsippany Focus “I presented a budget that was worked on in conjunction with the State to ensure it followed all state and township regulations. The budget presented to the Town Council is balanced, includes improvements for the town, police overtime, and does not raise taxes by nearly 15% as Council President Michael dePierro had proposed. This has been a hard year for everyone and I would not put forward a budget that would hurt the people of Parsippany. This Budget must be proposed during tomorrow’s Town Council meeting. In our form of government, the Mayor presents a budget, and the Council may edit it. The Mayor does not have a veto over the Council’s changes. This budget must be presented tomorrow in order for us to move forward as a town and start the recovery process from COVID.”

Councilmember Janice McCarthy stated “It’s unfortunate the Budget was presented by the town to the council so late in the year leaving very little opportunity to analyze the complexities and the impact of the one-time special relief that the DCA (State) granted the town in order to address the town’s ongoing financial issues. While the DCA’s special allowance on appropriations allowed a balanced budget to be presented there are questions on whether it’s a sustainable budget for the township going forward.”

Former Council President Dr. Louis Valori said “We need to get with the times and validate information before we make a public statement the residents of our town will lose trust in our government if not provided with accurate information. Concerning a 2-1/2 % tax increase, this is a no-brainer to approve this budget instead of a 15% tax increase. Let’s work together as a team and Work diligently next year the town will recoup revenues when businesses are fully operational. So please on behalf of the residents stop playing politics and do what rights for the residents of Parsippany.”

“Mayor Soriano did not produce a budget until late July several months after it was due. Mayor Soriano’s neglect has denied the public an opportunity to review his budget. He knows his budget will not survive scrutiny. It’s clear that Mayor Soriano is ruining Parsippany’s financial future,” said Former Mayor James Barberio.

In a conversation with Township Clerk Khaled Madin, he stated “At this time there is no introduction of the budget on Tuesday’s (August 3) agenda.” The next Council Meeting is on Tuesday, August 18.

Stop & Shop Provides Electric Vehicle Fueling Stations to Shoppers

Frank L. Cahill
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Stop & Shop Provides Electric Vehicle Fueling Stations to Shoppers

MORRIS PLAINS — Stop & Shop is now providing electric vehicle fueling stations for shoppers. Customers now will be able to charge their cars free of charge while shopping. Stop & Shop is located at 245 Littleton Road, corner of Route 10 East.

Stop & Shop has partnered with Volta Industries to install electric vehicle charging stations at its stores across the Northeast. Stop & Shop is among the first in the Northeast to partner with Volta Charging, an industry leader in electric vehicle charging networks. Volta charging stations can also be found outside Stop & Shop stores located in East Brunswick, New Jersey; Walpole, Massachusetts; Willimantic, Connecticut; and Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Customers with electric vehicles can park in the designated spaces and charge while they shop. On average, a Volta Charging station can deliver up to 30 miles of range per hour. There will be two electric-vehicle charging stations featuring Volta Charging’s signature high-resolution, two-sided, large digital displays at all participating locations.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Volta Charging and offer our customers the benefit of electric vehicle charging at no cost,” said Gordon Reid, President of Stop & Shop. “Providing this convenience allows us to do more than make things easier for our customers; it allows us to also make things better for the environment.”

The company is expected to launch 50 additional Volta Charging stations across five states in the Northeast by the end of 2021.

“We’re proud to expand our partnership with Stop & Shop to provide greater access to open, reliable and convenient charging infrastructure as we see the shift in electric mobility,” said Scott Mercer, Founder, and CEO of Volta Charging. “Volta Charging’s mission is to offer reliable fueling solutions for drivers at the places they visit daily. Working with Stop & Shop allows us to do just that, and help drivers fuel where they already go.”

Family Festival Coming Soon to Lakeland Hills YMCA

Frank L. Cahill
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Family Festival Coming Soon to Lakeland Hills YMCA

MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA’s Family Festival will be held on August 11. For $20.00 for the entire family, the public can enjoy a variety of activities.

The event takes place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the YMCA, 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes. The evening is open to all.

Activities will include a petting zoo, henna tattoos, cultural arts and crafts, archery, giant games, and more. Rides will include a Dixie Whirlwind, bungee trampoline, rock-climbing wall, and vertical rush mega slide.

Food trucks will be on-site serving different types of food — sold separately. Parking will be available at the Y and Mountain Lakes High School parking lot, Powerville Road, with shuttles available.

Click here to register. Click here to download the event flyer.

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