PARSIPPANY — A significant gathering of veterans, their families, and friends assembled to partake in the commemorative event, on Saturday, November 11 in Veteran’s Memorial Park. Among the attendees were notable figures such as County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, Former Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella. Siobhan Mary Fuller-McConnell, a Gold Star Mother, was also in attendance.

Council Vice President Michael J. dePierro, who is also a veteran, effectively led the ceremony, donning his service cap and a VFW jacket with pride.

The ceremony commenced with a striking Presentation of Colors by the Color Guards from the American Legion Post 249 and VFW Post 10184. This was followed by a moving invocation from Deacon Len Deo of St. Ann’s RC Church and the National Anthem, elegantly sung by local Parsippany resident Michelle Musolino-Roberts.

Abigail Thurkauf from Troop 95089 and Emma Sikora from Troop 97445 led the pledge of allegiance. Subsequently, Councilman DePierro delivered his introductory remarks and welcomed Parsippany Mayor James Barberio, who gave a heartfelt and engaging welcome address. Kelli Doucette, speaking on behalf of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. Council President Loretta Gragnani then presented “The Nobel and the Brave: A Veteran’s Day Tribute.”

Father David Pickins, Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Church, offered a poignant “Prayer of Remembrance.” The ceremony’s solemnity continued with the “Laying of the Wreaths,” conducted by Mark Miller, Commander of VFW Post 10184, and Bruce Michels, Senior Vice-Commander of American Legion Post 249.

Highlighting the event, Parsippany High School student Dominick Caponegro played the Taps, and Councilman dePierro read “Just a Common Soldier,” a poem that resonates deeply on such occasions, paying homage to all veterans. As the event neared its conclusion, attendees enjoyed a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America” by Parsippany Hills High School students Jaylan Royal and Sophia Dourdoulakis.

Councilman dePierro wrapped up the ceremonies with the “Retirement of Colors,” performed once again by the Color Guards of American Legion Post 249 and VFW Post 10184. This event served as a poignant reminder of Veterans Day’s significance, a day to honor and express gratitude towards America’s service members, past and present, for their unwavering patriotism, love of country, and dedication to serving and sacrificing for the greater good.

MORRIS COUNTY — On November 9, a special ceremony was hosted by Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, Esq., to honor commanders from the American Legion.

Morris County Sheriff’s Honor Guard presented the flags to begin the event and Sheriff James Gannon led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Monsignor John Hart of Assumption Parish in Morristown officiated at the invocation.

The event recognized several individuals:

• Dominick Sabol, Sr., Vice Commander of Morris County American Legion
• Norus Achmetov from American Legion Post 59
• Angel E. Soto from Randolph VFW Post 7333
• James M. Koons of American Legion Post 59
• Joseph Ostrowski from American Legion Post 43
• Russell Jenkins, American Legion Post 423
• Anthony Scozzafava, Boonton VFW Post 242
• Ken Hanzl of Montville VFM Post 5481, serving as Morris County District Commander and National Aide-de-Camp
• Michael K. Murphy, Jefferson VFW Post 564
• Thomas Miller, RC Gulick VFW Post 5351
• Stanley Demby, American Legion Post 91
• Herman S. Marmon, American Legion Post 421
• Kevin Killingback, American Legion Post 390
• Donald Doty, American Legion Post 245
• William F. Freeman, upcoming Commandant of USMA League D Detachment
• Harold Liberatore, American Legion Post 279
• Mark Miller, Troy Hills VFW Post 10184
• Wayne Stine from George P. Siek, VFW Post 8096.

Joe Garifo, Former Public Information Director at Morris County Government, acted as the event’s monitor. The speakers included Brigadier General John T. Reim, Detective Captain Aaron Tomasini of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and Ken Hanzl. Ann Grossi and Brigadier General Reim presented certificates to the honorees. Additional Citations were also provided by Senator Joseph Pennacchio and Senator Anthony Bucco.

The ceremony concluded with Natalia Fragomeni’s rendition of “God Bless America.”

MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblyman Brian Bergen was irate after discovering veterans in state-run facilities are begging for soap and other basic necessities while lawmakers spent lavishly on last-minute pork projects in the state budget passed in June.

“This is a stark and shameful reflection of skewed priorities and neglect,” said Bergen (R-Morris). “When the state is spending at historic levels, veterans in its care shouldn’t have to resort to panhandling to meet their basic needs.”

Bergen, a U.S. Army combat veteran, took issue with three wish lists posted on the state-run websites of the state veteran homes in Menlo Park, Vineland, and Paramus, which currently house 574 veterans. Donations of soap, deodorant, bed linens, denture care supplies, t-shirts, and tissues, among other basic care items, are being sought.

In September, The U.S Department of Justice and State Commission of Investigation issued reports documenting insufficient controls and medical care at the Menlo Park and Paramus facilities during the pandemic, which killed at least 200 residents.

“You’d think that after back-to-back scathing reports, there would be a better effort by the Murphy administration,” he continued.  “None of this would break the bank for the state to provide.”

Bergen emphasized that the disparity between the lavish state spending and the distressing plea for donations at the state homes was not just a failure but an outrage.

“Democrats hailed the state budget as a ‘statement of their values,’” said Bergen. “But in a state where historic expenditure seems to be the norm, the neglect and dire situation faced by those who have bravely served their country is an unconscionable travesty.”

Bergen emphasized that more than $1.5 billion was directed to Democrat legislative pet projects in the final weeks before the $54.3 billion state budget was adopted. The list includes $12 million for a French museum in Jersey City, $4 million for the Sewaren marina in Woodbridge, and a $500,000 dog park in Rahway.

Shortly after Gov. Phil Murphy signed the budget, Woodbridge officials announced that a 215-seat tiki bar would be part of the Sewaren marina project, which would largely be funded with state grants.

“All you have to do is look at the Democrats’ checkbook to figure out their priorities,” continued Bergen.  “While our soldiers beg for sweatpants, the state is constructing a tiki bar catering exclusively to yacht owners. That certainly doesn’t make New Jersey stronger or fairer.”

For now, Bergen is urging immediate intervention.

“It’s high time we honor our commitment to those who have selflessly served our nation,” Bergen concluded.  “I implore the state to swiftly reevaluate its priorities and ensure our veterans receive the dignity and care they have rightfully earned.”

PARSIPPANY  — Most of Thursday, November 9th’s Parsippany Council meeting focused on discussions about three proposed PILOT projects. PILOT, an acronym for Payments in Lieu of Taxes, relates to development incentives offered to developers.

The areas targeted for redevelopment are 2 and 3 Campus Drive and also 249 Pomeroy Road.  The Campus Drive locations would potentially include residential housing.  Pomeroy Road would be a potential warehouse.

“The office market is not going to pick up until 2035”, stated Mayor Barberio when he addressed the potential PILOT projects.  PILOTs are a tool the state legislatures gave municipalities to help with economic development and help with redevelopment projects, he explained.

Councilman Musella rebutted, saying that he objects to the process and the lack of information presented to the Council.  “The Financial Plan Agreement in Exhibit A is completely blank,” he noted.

Former Parsippany Township Attorney John Inglesino took the microphone in the public commentary section of the meeting to explain to the public what PILOT projects are and why they can be a benefit to the town.  He stated to meeting attendees and council members that these PILOT projects will not affect the school budget.  He stated that schools are protected and that these PILOTS will not impact the school budget. 

After Inglesino concluded, Councilman Frank Neglia thanked him and told him that he was very happy with his explanation and that he learned a lot from his presentation.

The motion to introduce the PILOT projects on the agenda was passed 4-1 with Musella being the lone vote against it.

PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) introduced an amendment to the FY 2024 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations bill prohibiting the Internal Revenue Service from interfering in state and local tax (SALT) relief programs for hard-working, middle-class families. New Jersey was among the first states to provide such tax relief before their initiative was struck down by the IRS in 2019.

“The SALT cap is an unfair double tax on middle-class families that imposes billions of dollars in additional costs on New Jersey residents and makes it harder for our state to invest in critical services, such as public education and law enforcement,” said Rep. Sherrill. “I have consistently fought to make New Jersey a more affordable place to live and my amendment will allow states and localities to develop innovative policies that provide SALT relief and cut taxes for families by preventing the IRS from unjustly interfering in state-level SALT legislation.” 

The House Republican majority abruptly pulled the FSGG appropriations bill from consideration Thursday morning. 

In 2017, the GOP’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act imposed a harmful double tax and one of the largest marriage penalties in the tax code by capping the state and local tax deductions at $10,000 per household. In response, states such as New Jersey developed policies to provide tax relief to families by expanding access to the federal charitable deduction and helping small business owners to deduct their full SALT at the entity level. However, the IRS issued new regulatory guidance in 2019 restricting states from implementing these policies.

In May 2022, Rep. Sherrill led several of her House colleagues in a letter urging the House Appropriations Committee to include language in the FY 2023 Appropriations bill prohibiting the IRS from putting restrictions on SALT relief delivered by state and local governments. In July 2022, she also introduced an amendment to the House appropriations package preventing the IRS from restricting the ability of state and local governments to enact SALT relief. As part of her Jersey STRONG agenda, she also introduced the bipartisan Middle-Class Tax Relief Act in January 2023, which substantially raises the SALT deduction cap and fully eliminates the cap for 99% of NJ-11 families.