PARSIPPANY — Zolla’s Auto Care is now open at 141 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. The owner, Matthew Zolla, is a 24-year Lake Hiawatha resident and Parsippany High School Alumni, Class of 2011.
While in high school Matt was a good student, well liked and a member of the Red Hawks Varsity Baseball and Basketball teams.
When deciding on what to do after graduation, Matt knew he wanted to pursue his passion in becoming a mechanic and needed to look beyond traditional schooling. After many hours of intense studying, something that Matt was not accustomed to in high school, he graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute in 2012 with honors and began an apprenticeship at Parsippany Automotive.
For the past five years, Matt has worked tirelessly mastering his skills and preparing to run his own business one day.
“At first, I liked working on cars because it was challenging. But now I enjoy working with our customers and taking care of them is one of my top goals. I enjoy finding the problems with the cars that come in and making sure our customers are satisfied when they leave,” said Matt.
Zolla’s Auto Care is a full-service repair shop located at 141 North Beverwyck Road. Services range from oil changes and tire rotations to suspension work and check engine diagnostics. Walk in’s are welcome or call (973) 263-1111 to schedule an appointment.
PARSIPPANY — As first-year students embark on their college experience, they will all take part in Loyola’s living learning program, Messina. The common text for Messina is Just Mercy, by Bryan Stevenson. The book, a compelling first-hand account of a lawyer who defends the poor and wrongly condemned, speaks to the inequality in the justice system.
Jeffrey Umanzor is Loyola’s newest greyhounds. Jeffrey was a 2017 graduate of Parsippany High School and was among the 243 graduating students.
Class of 2021 by the numbers:
8%: students who attended Jesuit high schools
10%: legacy students
16%: first-generation college students
21%: students of color
29%: students who enrolled test optional
1,031: total students enrolled
Established in 1852, Loyola University Maryland is a Catholic, Jesuit comprehensive university comprising Loyola College, home to the University’s arts and sciences programs; the Sellinger School of Business and Management; and the School of Education. Loyola enrolls 4,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students from across the country.
PARSIPPANY — During the Township Council agenda meeting of Tuesday, October 3, Township Attorney John Inglesino advised the council they were going into closed session to discuss possible litigation with Montville.
Parsippany Focus issued a series of Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests and received a letter dated September 27, 2017 to Mayor James Barberio from Montville Mayor James Sandham.
Montville Township is seeking $1M dollars from Parsippany, as a one-time credit to offset over the next two years against charges of the Sewer Treatment Plant Agreement to Montville from Parsippany.
“Over the past six weeks our office has made inquiries for certain financial and budget information which relates to the fact that over the last seven years more than $8 million in fund balance from the Parsippany Sewer Utility has been anticipated as revenue as part of the Parsippany municipal budget. Notwithstanding numerous phone calls, requests and delays, as of this date we have not received the documentation from the Township of Parsippany relating to our request,” said James Sandham.
In balancing the 2017 budget, Mayor James Barberio transferred $3.2 Million from the Parsippany Utilities to the Parsippany Municipal Budget. This created a zero percent municipal tax increase. ($700,000 was transferred from Parsippany Water Utility Operating Account and $2.5 Million from Parsippany Sewer Utility Operating Account.) The same tactic was used in the 2013 Election, when sewer surplus of $550,000 was used to create a 0% budget increase.
Sandham continued “As a long-time user of and contributor to the system, you are aware that the Township of Montville accounts for approximately 20% of the financial revenues for the Parsippany Sewer Utility. Certainly, the governing body was recently made aware that significant funds and transfers have been made from this Utility in addition to the enormous surplus that exists in the facility as well.”
“$8.5 million of fund balance that has been transferred (to the municipal budget) times 11.7% (Montville’ s share of rents) equals $1 million.” the letter stated.
In addition the letter states, “due to the time that has elapsed and the priority of this matter to the Township of Montville, we are making this proposal which will be withdrawn by October 20, 2017. After that date, we will direct the Township Attorney to immediately commence the filing of suit in Superior Court in order to address this issue.”
They are also requesting for 2017 and beyond we will require a detailed analysis of costs and expenses charged to the Sewer Utility as well as a detailed calculation of the allocation methodology amongst the several municipal users.
Mayor James Barberio refused to comment on this story.
Click here to read a copy of Mayor James Sandham’s letter dated September 27, 2017.
Click here to read an email sent to Mayor James Barberio (second request) asking for comment to the story. An additional request was sent on Friday, October 13 to Mayor James Barberio, Council President Louis Valori, Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Councilman Michael dePierro, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., and Loretta Gragnani, which also went unanswered.
Editors Note: After the story was posted we did receive an email from Mayor James Barberio stating “Before you post the story the Township Attorney will be reporting on this issue.” Parsippany Focus will update the story as soon as we receive a response from Township Attorney John Inglesino.
PARSIPPANY — What was once a three-building office complex nestled in a former Mack-Cali corporate campus in Parsippany will soon become one of the hottest places to “live, work and play,” thanks to a $4.5 million capital improvement program and new state-of-the-art building upgrades and upscale amenities.
Bergman Real Estate Group, in partnership with Time Equities, Inc., announced its plans to introduce nearly a dozen trendsetting amenities to 4, 5 and 6 Century Drive, now known as “Century Campus.” The 280,000-square-foot office park is comprised of three class B buildings, acquired last year from Mack-Cali by Bergman Real Estate Group and Time Equities, Inc. The property was 50 percent leased at the time of acquisition.
According to Michael Bergman, president and CEO of Bergman Real Estate Group, Century Campus reflects a 21st-century approach to the work environment which has dedicated space for work and play, an inspiring environment which encourages productivity while retaining a commanding professional presence. These amenities include:
• A 4,500-square-foot executive lounge with a staffed espresso bar
• Media center with state-of-the-art screens and other multimedia equipment
• Seating areas outfitted with modern, comfortable furniture
• Co-working executive suites with glass walls sized for startups and entrepreneurs
• Game area with ping-pong and pool tables, TV and seating areas
• Shared conference and training center which tenants can use for large meetings, training sessions and more
• An art studio with instruction from local artists
• Upgraded full service Café with new seating and decor
• A massage room
• An app-based bike-sharing program which tenants can use to ride to lunch or travel around Century Campus
• Newly landscaped grounds with walking paths, seating areas and a Bocce ball court
• A fully-equipped gym and yoga studio coming in 2018
“The suburban office market needs to adapt and change to support how people work today,” Bergman said. “We’re creating a space for people not only to relax and help their productivity, but where they can actually conduct business or hold meetings as well,” Bergman said. “Such a state-of-the-art environment is not only impressive to clients, but inspiring for the people who work there. We’re seeing this trend not just in New Jersey, but all throughout the country, and we are proud to create such a positive working atmosphere for current and future tenants alike at Century Campus.”
The game room, media center and executive lounge are slotted to open November 1, while the others will be completed in phases over the next several months. The bike sharing program is already available to Century Campus tenants.
According to Bergman, Century Campus will also undergo head-to-toe internal and external renovations. Extensive upgrades and renovations are being made to the buildings’ lobbies, corridors and bathrooms, as well as to landscaping, outdoor pathways and parking lots.
The renovations and amenities are already having a positive impact on Century Campus. Several new long-term leases have been signed since acquiring the property a year ago, improving the occupancy.
“People spend their day at the office, so we want to make it as pleasing and comfortable as possible,” Bergman said. “All the services one could possibly need to be comfortable are located in one place.”
Century Campus is located near the intersection of Route 10 and Route 202, close to three of the state’s most highly traveled highways – Interstates 287, 80 and 280. The complex is five minutes from the Morristown train station, a 35-minute drive to New York City and is close to Newark-Liberty International Airport.
Century Campus offers flexible floor plans with current availability ranging from 2,000 square feet to full-floor occupancies up to 35,000 square feet and a contiguous block of 60,000 square feet. For more information, click here.
Founded in 1988, Bergman Real Estate Group is a privately owned, full-service real estate investment and management company, with more than 28 years of operating history in New Jersey and other select markets. The company’s fully integrated platform includes acquisition, ownership, asset and property management, leasing and construction supervision. Bergman, which has built its success on acquiring and successfully repositioning underperforming properties, currently owns and manages 18 office buildings comprising 2.1 million square feet.
Founded in 1966, privately-held Time Equities, Inc. (TEI) has been in the real estate investment, development and asset & property management business for 50 years. With properties in 26 states, four Canadian provinces, Germany and the Netherlands, the TEI portfolio consists of approximately 23.4 million square feet of residential, industrial, office and retail property.Image Upload
PARSIPPANY — Fun was had by all on October 14 when Mount Tabor’s Historical Society held a special tour for members of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany- Troy Hills, prospective club members and friends of the club. Historical Society member and longtime Mount Tabor resident Beth Shaw led the tour which started at the Bethel Pavilion and weaved through the colorful period painted gingerbread Victorian homes. After the fascinating tour, the Woman’s Club made a donation to the Mount Tabor Historical Society..
The Mount Tabor History House Museum is open to the public on the secpmd Sunday of each month and by appointment. Their upcoming Holiday Craft Fair is Saturday, November 11 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday, November 12, from noon to 3:00 pm. Proceeds go to maintaining the Mount Tabor History House Museum and for educational programs offered to the public. For more information call (973) 975-0001.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany Troy-Hills holds their next meeting on Monday, October 23. In November, their meeting is on Monday, November 27. Meetings start at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. The club is always looking for new members eager to take part in community activities and help those in need.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.
For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, visit the website by clicking here or on the club’s FaceBook page.
Meeting schedule is subject to change. Please contact Cathy if interested in attending a meeting or to confirm date and time.
PARSIPPANY — At approximately 3:00 a.m. Saturday morning, October 14, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6, Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 3 and Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire District 1 Rapid Intervention Team responded to a fire at the corner of Lake Shore Drive and Califon Road, Lake Parsippany.
The fire was contained to the bedroom, because the resident shut the door and the rapid response from the fire department, damage was minimal.
Parsippany Rescue and Recovery was called to the scene to board up the home. In addition to the fire, the home sustained moderate smoke damage.
Morris County Office of Emergency Management air truck was requested to the scene, as well as Morris County Sheriff Crime Scene.
According to witnesses at the scene, no one was hurt and everyone in the home got out safely.
Rescue and Recovery boarded up the home on Lake Shore DriveFlames from the windows at a residence on Lake Shore DriveHeavy smoke
Editors correction: We mistakenly identified District 1 as Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire District 1 Rapid Intervention Team. Sorry for the inconvenience.
PARSIPPANY — At 2:20 p.m. on Monday, October 2 Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to the T-Mobile Store, 376 Route 46 West, for a reported Robbery. The store is located near the ramp for Route 80 west.
Upon arrival of responding officers, they were advised that four black males entered the store wearing hooded sweatshirts and began to steal phones from various displays.
One male suspect advised the employee not to follow them as the exited because a person with a firearm is outside the store.
The suspects fled the area in a motor vehicle.
Parsippany Detective Jeramine Pledger, along with the Morris County Sheriff’s Department CIS responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.
It was determined that approximately $3500.00 worth of cellphones were stolen.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, October 8 at 10:52 p.m. Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officers Andy Van Orden and Jeffrey Williams stopped at Wawa, 350 New Road, to purchase a drink, when they observed a male exit a 2003 Saturn, stumble as he walked to the trash can and then return back to the running vehicle.
After a brief time observing the male in the vehicle, the officers made contact with Jader Ferris, 28, from Reading, PA.
After a brief investigation, the officers located five glassine folds of suspected heroin, drug paraphernalia, and a stun gun inside the vehicle he was operating. Mr. Ferris was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing.
While at Police Headquarters he was charged with one count of Third Degree; Possession of CDS (Heroin) one count of Fourth Degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Stun Gun);
Failure to Turn CDS over to Law Enforcement, a Disorderly Person Offense;
Possession of a Hypodermic Needle, a Disorderly Person Offense; Under the Influence of CDS without a Prescription, a Disorderly Person Offense; Driving While Intoxicated; Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle; and Reckless Driving.
He was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his initial court date.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills High School Competition Cheerleading team is working hard to achieve the ultimate goal of being the first team in PHHS history to compete at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships in Orlando Florida. The competition is held from February 11 to February 18.
The team will first compete to qualify is the UCA Northeast Regionals in Toms River in November 11. Then if the team qualifies they continue to the National Championship.
Your support will help each girl obtain this goal and achieve this once in a lifetime cheer experience. Any amount is greatly appreciated and you will receive a receipt for your generous gift. They are hoping to raise over $15,000 to cover registration costs, qualifier costs, airfare, transportation, lodging, and meals for the team.
The National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC) is the most prestigious cheerleading championship in the country. The NHSCC is held at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida, and nationally televised on ESPN and ESPN2 to over 100 million homes and 32 countries nationwide each year. The Championship is also streamed live on Varsity TV on Varsity.com.
Please support the Parsippany Hills High School Competition Cheerleading team.
PARSIPPANY — The Lakeland Hills YMCA recently renewed their membership with the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce. Presenting their plaque was Dr. Patrick Selimo to YMCA’s Chief Executive Officer, Viktor J. Joganow.
The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is a non-profit community service organization serving eleven municipalities throughout Morris County. It has been in continuous operation at 100 Fanny Road since 1972 catering to more than 10,000 families in the communities of Boonton, Boonton Township, Butler, Denville, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Montville, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany, Pequannock, and Riverdale.
The Y is a complete health, fitness and recreational facility that includes: a six-lane heated Pool, Regulation-size Gymnasium, Health & Fitness Training Center, Fitness Studio, Kids Zone, Locker Rooms (also Long-term Locker Rooms for ‘adults only’ that include Saunas and Steam Room), Marion Mann RobertsEarly Childhood Learning Center, Summer Day Camp, Outdoor Pavilion and Picnic Area with restrooms, and a colorful children’s playground. Off site, the Y operates five “Kids Club” After School Programs throughout the service area.
The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is a community charity with a mission based on Christian principles encouraging members, individuals, and families to grow in spirit, mind and body through programs and services that promote Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility for all. It is also the desire of this association to meet the necessities of the community by providing services to those in need regardless of their ability to pay the full cost of membership and/or programs. A large part of providing those services comes from the Annual Giving Campaign, Give a Kid the Y. This yearly event helps those (particularly children) who are less fortunate and without the financial means, a chance to participate in life enriching programs and skill development, both physical and social. Last year the Y helped more than 500 individuals and families with more than $300,000 in contributions, including Give a Kid the Y.
The Y exists to fulfill community needs and to create greater access to opportunities that promote health and wellness for everyone – a purpose that will continue for many more years to come.
For more information on Lakeland Hills YMCA, click here.
PACC is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. We work with our local and county governments and stand ready to pursue any matter that can make our community a better place in which to live, conduct business, and make a living. We promote a healthy and more prosperous economic climate.
For information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, call (973) 402-6400.
PARSIPPANY — On Monday, September 25, Punia Company, announced the opening of the new patient, family-friendly, and employee Grab ‘N’ Go café and employee cardio studio located at Littleton Medical and Executive Center, 300 Littleton Road. The Grab ‘N’ Go is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and features salads, sandwiches, beverages, and snacks stocked regularly by Canteen.
Situated on the third floor directly opposite the building elevator core, the Grab ‘N’ Go was one of several improvements management completed in the building. Approximately $500,000 went into constructing a cardio studio, including two treadmills, and universal weight machine. In addition, they renovated the two-story lobby and upgraded common area bathrooms and hallways. All common areas now have LED lighting. They added a tenant pylon sign at the corner of Littleton and Parsippany Roads for instant property recognition. The project was spearheaded by Punia Company’s Leasing Manager Ryan Tiger.
“We were eager to create a medical environment at 300 Littleton Road where our tenants and staff are excited to go to work each day,” Tiger said. “Moreover, we understand one of the challenges facing hospitals today is the difficulty in attracting new, young medical staff to a suburban office market. We are confident the completed renovations, especially the cardio room and Grab N’ Go, will enhance employers’ ability to attract talent.”
Littleton Medical and Executive Center is located on the corner of Littleton Road and Parsippany Road. The building is 50,000 square feet with 25,000 square feet currently available for lease, divisible to 1,000 square feeet.
The managing agent, Punia Company, is a family of private real estate investment, development, property management, construction, and design companies with offices in Livingston, New Jersey and New York City. It specializes in redeveloping medical buildings of interest and delivering unique and architecturally creative medical facilities to meet the needs of today’s professionals. While embracing the past, it puts value in the environment with the implementation of the highest quality green materials and systems.
Punia Company, LLC continues its 75+ year family legacy of excellence, as it crafts elegant spaces that exist in complete harmony with contemporary lifestyles. To learn more, click here or call (973) 699-7714
Having received the publication Pride in Parsippany Fall 2017, and after examining its contents I see no actual need to rehash what is already being printed or distributed in the mayor’s private source, “Plug into Parsippany” or the other local news sources Parsippany Focus, Patch or what is available on the official Parsippany Website. The concoction statement of “approached by residents who continued to request that the written newsletter be reinstated”, is bunk.
Certain statements of contention are simply stated as fact when they are opinions and promotions; for example our community has changed and all the services continue to remain excellent; or I am proud to report that there is NO increases in this year in your municipal taxes!
The community has changed. Waterview marketplace for example after a council No rezone Vote. The change will bring more traffic, trash, noise and degradation of a once unique neighborhood and environmentally sensitive remaining landscape important in groundwater recharge, and trees for carbon sinks, and scenic beauty. Taxpayers are surrendering $3.5 million dollars of the local open space funds for what a rude and uncaring developer forced on Parsippany residents, with the blessings and feelings of accomplishment by the mayor and town attorney who betrayed their own master plan and community. A look at a Interactive Map shows we are paying the money for a riparian zone along the Troy Brook which under a legitimate NJDEP would be considered a buffer zone.
As far as taxes I can vouch that my taxes went up $202 dollars, as they have increased every year since living here. The wonder is the mayor and council seem not to see that tax retables gained by allowing corporate development do not reduce municipal homeowners taxes. If they did Parsippany would not suffer any increases as they do. We must also remember the “fields of dreams” scam, where the BOE found over $2.5 millions dollars of our tax money and used it not for education butfor artificial turf. Mayor Barberio had attempted in the past to sanction open space funding for this, but was turned down by the voters; so he made a end run, alleging the BOE was somehow a separate entity beholding to the taxpayers.
It is a Constitutional Right that citizens of the republic everywhere have the right to know where, how their tax dollars are spent, to be transparent. 16th Amendment argument is the contention that the IRS has an affirmative duty to respond to taxpayer demands for an answer as to why taxpayers must pay.
This is not so in Parsippany citizens such as others and myself have been denied OPRA requests concerning various and numerous lawsuits incurred on Parsippany by developers who wish to change our master plan to suit them. Parsippany under Barberio/Inglesino and the present council deny Parsippany taxpayers the right to belong to a regional master plan, under the NJ Highlands water protection and Planning Act. This prevents developer’s lawsuits and maintains home rule. Rather than look into this great opportunity, which also includes lower affordable housing numbers and gives immunity from developers lawsuits, it is taboo, because it is of their opinions without objective fact finding or due diligence that we the people of Parsippany may not participate in such an advancement. How can deals be made with developers or the lawyers make money? If one thinks for a moment the simple fact of Parsippany being in a planning zone, would not the best possible planning benefit us all?
This administration has failed us in many ways, from taking too long on Forge Pond a landscape of which the 124 acres instead of 135 original offer is 109 acres of wetlands that cannot be developed anyway. The Captain Carifi ongoing scam involving Aurora securities with more wasted tax dollars in scams to maintain the power of Barberio/Inglesino and the large corporate developers who rule Parsippany leaving wasted empty developments and escaping tax burdens while the citizens pay for a quality of life degraded and with unavoidable future costs scenarios. The most obvious being our water supply being depleted and contaminated by poor land use, unnecessary and unjust developments.
Mayor Barberio need be more concerned with his municipal work force and defending Parsippany’s ordinances and master plan, that is his job. In this he has failed.
PARSIPPANY — The Pride Tournament was held in Parsippany between Friday, October 6 and Sunday, October 8. There were a total of 554 teams who attended the 2017 Parsippany Pride Invitational Tournament sponsored by Adidas at fields (including 15 Turf and Natural Grass) in Parsippany and throughout Morris County.
The Parsippany Pride Tournament the largest fall soccer tournament in the Northeast.
The 2007 Girls Blue Team (pictured above) won the Championship at the Parsippany Pride Invitational Tournament XXIX.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Express Cross Country (PECC) awoke to a wet, rainy week 5 during Lakeland Junior Cross Country League’s Sunday races at Morris County’s Central Park.
Thirty-six PECC team members participated in the event; of those, 23 runners beat their own personal best records. Five members of the running group placed in the Top 20 for their age groups.
The results below include: Runner, Mile Pace (provided when available), Final Time
Boys and Girls 13/14 3970 Meter Run
Amanda Hoffman 17:02.86
Justin Hoffman 17:21.95
Sneha Kondru 22:40.97
Boys and Girls 11/12 2977 Meter Run
4th Albin Mullan 11:28.15 Best time by 19 seconds!
William Lanza 14:34.21 Best time by 15 seconds!
Tommy Allen 15:22.46 (15:10 week 1)
Zach Leander 15:26.80 Best time by 8 seconds!
Nate Varughese 15:33.60 Best time by 26 seconds!
Anish Chidella 15:36.66 Best time by 48 seconds!
Dom DeMarco 16:25.30 (15:51 week 4)
Frankie Tracey 18:43.75 (18:01 week 1)
Larry Lui 20:24.28 (18:28 week 2)
Tanish Parlapall 24:13.99 (20:19 week 1)
Rebekah Marsh 24:34.03 (23:09 week 4)
Girls 9/10 2027 Meter Run
9 Chebishev, Kira 8:47.20 (8:42 week 2)
38 Metz, Meghan 9:54.80 Best time by 2 seconds!
41 Voto, Elaina 10:08.78 Best time by 24 seconds!
44 Sisco, Callie 10:15.96 Best time by 3 seconds!
50 Liu, Shyanne 10:27.76 Best time by 9 seconds!
68 Chithambaranathan, Harita 11:34.63 (11:15 week 4)
Boys 9/10 2027 Meter Run
26 Metz, Brian 9:06.66 (8:53 week 4)
27 Becher, Christopher 9:07.44 (8:43 week 3)
42 Kosovich, Mason 9:54.96 Best time by 2 seconds!
61 Parlapall, Pranav 11:19.54 Best time by 2 seconds!
73 Naik, Ishaan 12:58.46 Best time by 33 seconds!
Boys and Girls 7/8 1561 Meter Run (0.97 miles)
Kosovich, Chase 6:45.50 Best time by 14 seconds!
Vavilala, Eesha 7:36.07 Best time by 9 seconds!
Kaplan, Tyler 7:37.80 (7:32 week 2)
Whelan, Desmond 7:40.42 Best time by 10 seconds!
Kondru, Sohan 7:43.07 Best time by 9 seconds!
Thormann, Kaylee 7:48.52 (7:42 week 3)
Mullan, Anina 8:19.31 Best time by 20 seconds!
Duff, Ciera 8:35.76 (8:16 week 4)
Novitskie, Frankie 8:46.57 Best time by 3 seconds!
PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Democratic Committee filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission a complaint and a request for investigation of James R. Barberio and his campaign accounts, on Tuesday, October 10.
Charles Robinson, Chairman of the Morris County Democratic Committee said “The complaint alleges violations of a New Jersey regulation that guards against the use of taxpayer dollars to promote the campaigns of incumbent elected officials. The allegations levied in the complaint are serious, as are their consequences, and they would not be made if they were frivolous or not well-grounded in both fact and law. Nonetheless, it is important that the complaint be made.”
“Good, decent people like Michael Soriano will never be able to compete in fair elections in Morris County if incumbents are permitted to leverage the power of town hall for their candidacies and fund their campaigns with taxpayer dollars. Raising funds for campaigns is the most difficult, and quite frankly unenjoyable, aspect of running a campaign. We cannot stand by and watch as incumbents get a pass on this daunting task because they are able to use public funds to promote their own candidacies. Nor can we sit on our hands when faced with an egregious breach of the tremendous trust placed in our elected officials,” said Robinson.
The complaint states “Parsippany Mayor James R. Barberio (d/b/a “Team Barberio” and
“Friends of Jamie Barberio” for violation of N.J.A.C. 19:25-10.11 (b) by failing to disclose a contribution made to the Barberio Accounts by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills (“Township”). Both a “newsletter” published by the Township and publications on the Township’s Facebook page are “political communications” within the definition of the cited regulation, and as such the cost of the publication must be reported as an in-kind contribution from the Township to the Barberio Accounts.
Picture of Lake Parsippany on one side of the newsletter
The “newsletter” entitled “Pride in Parsippany” was received by an unknown number of Parsippany residents. It was published within 90 days of the upcoming November 7, 2017 general election – 33 days to be exact- in which Mr. Barberio is a candidate for the office of mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills. The newsletter is entitled “Pride in Parsippany”. This phrase is a campaign slogan used by Mr. Barberio frequently and as recently the June 2017 primary election.
Last week, Democrat Michael Soriano, who is challenging two-term incumbent Republican Barberio in the general election, said he has filed an Open Public Records Act request “to determine the exact amount of taxpayer dollars spent to prepare, print and mail this publicly-funded campaign material.”
Parsippany Focus also filed a similar request with the Township Clerk, Khaled Madin, on Friday, October 6.
Soriano stated, “On behalf of the taxpayers of Parsippany, I am demanding that Mayor Barberio immediately reimburse the township for all expenses incurred in the production of this flyer.”
He added, “This is exactly the kind of mismanagement and waste that inspired me to run for office. This sort of behavior, violating the trust of Parsippany’s taxpayers, has been emblematic of Mayor Barberio’s administration. Calling out this behavior for all to see is the first step in cleaning up Parsippany.”
According to the complaint, other blatantly-political communications within the “newsletter” include:
• An article entitled “Police Sub-Station Comes To Western Parsippany” which credits Mr. Barberio with the upcoming opening of a new police facility, and features a photo of a banner for the facility with Mr. Barberio’s name prominently displayed. The article boastfully claims, among other things, that “[r]esidents in the western portion of Parsippany can rest easier as Mayor Barberio has secured a police sub-station …. ”
• An article concerning a farmer’s market which credits “Mayor Barberio’s Wellness Campaign” with formation of the market.
• An article concerning the opening of a golf driving range in which “Mayor Barberio is pleased to announce” the opening of the new range.
In addition to the mailer, the Township’s Facebook page, maintained by Township employees at taxpayer expense, appears to have been hijacked by the Mr. Barberio’s campaign organization. Sometime prior to and at all times since August 9, 2017 (90 days prior to the general election), the posts on the account have been near-completely dedicated to promoting Mr. Barberio. Too numerous to recite in their entirety. Some egregious examples of posts promoting Mr. Barberio include:
• “Throughout his term as Mayor, Mayor Barberio has made preservation of open space a priority.” (20 September at 09:18).
• “Throughout his term as Mayor, Mayor Barberio has made preservation of open space a priority.” (20 September at 09:18).
• “Labor Day message from Mayor James Barberio – The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills ranks as the 5th Best Place to live in America. The Township received this ranking because of the combined efforts of my administration and the township employees.” (4 September).
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Facebook page maintained by Township employees
A “political communication” as defined by N.J.A.C. 19:25-10.10(b), is:
A written statement, pamphlet … or other printed matter or statement, communication, … or an advertisement delivered or accessed by electronic means, including, but not limited to, the Internet, that does not contain an explicit appeal . . . for the election or defeat of a candidate … if it meets the following conditions:
The communication is circulated or broadcast within 90 days of the date of any election in which the candidate on whose behalf the communication is made is seeking nomination for election or elected office;
The communication is circulated or broadcast to an audience substantially comprised of persons eligible to vote for the candidate on whose behalf the communication was made;
The communication contains a statement or reference concerning the governmental or political objectives or achievements of the candidate;
The production, circulation or broadcast of the communication, or any cost associated with the production, circulation or broadcast of the communication, has been made in whole or in part with the cooperation of, prior consent of, in consultation with, or at the request or suggestion of the candidate.
Mayor James Barberio did not respond for request to comment for this article.
PARSIPPANY — Recently it was reported by a resident that the video on the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills website (parsippany.net), for the Township Council meeting of October 3, 2017 stated “Video was not exist.” Parsippany Focus obtained the video through an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request.
Township website containing links to Council Meeting videosThe original page the video of October 3 was linked to.
We did check the Township website on Sunday, when it was first reported and the video was not available. We also checked on Monday, October 9 (Township offices were closed for the holiday) and the video was not available. We checked again on Tuesday morning at approximately 11:00 a.m. and the video was not available. At that time, we made our OPRA request. When we published the video on our website, we checked again, and the video was working on parsippany.net.
MORRIS COUNTY — Cheerleaders living in Parsippany, Whippany, Hanover, Morristown, Florham Park, and other areas in Morris/Essex Counties are taking a stand against bullying throughout October in honor of National Bullying Prevention Month.
The Cheer Pride Junior Level 2 athletes wore blue on Monday, October 3 to promote the importance of kindness and inclusion, and to kick off Cheer Pride’s month-long bullying prevention campaign.
Cheer Pride is a cheerleading and gymnastics center at 31 Leslie Court, Whippany.
The facility serves youths living in the Northern New Jersey area, and promotes a family, positive atmosphere focused on high-quality training and fun, disciplined programming in a safe environment.
PARSIPPANY — Boys in grades 1-5 are invited to a free model rocket launch with Parsippany Cub Scout packs on Saturday, October 14 from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m. at Knoll Park.
Participants will build and launch a model rocket for free. For additional launches, they will have engines for sale at $3.00 each. Please do not bring engines since we must be sure they are correct size.
This event is free for boys who have joined a Cub Scout pack this fall (or bring a completed application form to the event).
On Tuesday, October 3, I attended the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council agenda meeting.
Two things of importance came up which I would like to share with my fellow residents:
1) During the meeting Council Vice President Robert Peluso questioned the fact that something was pulled from the agenda. Township attorney John Inglesino’s response to Mr. Peluso was that it was “pulled”. When Council Vice President Peluso requested information as to what exactly was pulled Mr. Inglesino again responded in a harsher more condescending voice “it was pulled”. We as taxpayers should all be asking why didn’t Mr. Inglesino respond to Council V.P. Peluso’s question? His non response makes it look like something is not on the up and up in my opinion.
2) The second major issue is that Township attorney John Inglesino announced that the council would have to go into closed session in regards to “possible litigation from the township of Montville.” I ask, is this another lawsuit the Parsippany taxpayers will be shouldering? How much more can the taxpayers of Parsippany afford? What are Mayor Barberio and township attorney John Inglesino doing? It seems the only one making money in my opinion is Mr. Inglesino. Mr. Inglesino’s 1099 for 2016 was 701,985.21.
The fact that Mayor Barberio has no problem with this outrageous figure concerns me and I believe should concern all taxpayers of Parsippany. The litigation with Montville should be interesting. I think we have shared service agreements with Montville for water/sewer. Could this be the litigation? In my opinion Mayor Barberio has been overcharging the taxpayers of Parsippany and using monies from sewer surplus to balance his budget so it wouldn’t surprise me. We can only wait and see what the outcome will be.
Thank you Pat Petaccia
P.S. When you visit the Township website, the video is listed. But when you click on the video to view the page says “Sorry the video does not exist.” What is the Barberio administration trying to hide? Parsippany residents want transparency. We deserve transparency.
Parsippany-Troy Hills website of Council MeetingsThe video of the meeting of Tuesday, October 3 does not exist on the Township website. For some unknown reason it disappeared.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills High School Competition Cheerleading team is working hard to achieve the ultimate goal of being the first team in PHHS history to compete at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships in Orlando Florida. The competition is held from February 11 to February 18.
Dear Editor:
