Parsippany Swears In New Mayor and Council Members, Marking a New Chapter for the Township

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Jan 3, 2026

Dear Editor:

Just back from the Inauguration Ceremony at which Pulkit Desai, Matthew Kavanaugh and Diya Patel were sworn into their newly elected offices.

Attended by hundreds of delighted Parsippany residents and out-of-town dignitaries, the event was a celebration defined by hope, honesty, and humor. Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill spoke, and State Senator Joe Pennacchio was in attendance, and so at least for the afternoon, politics once again seemed to be the art of the possible.

Congratulations Parsippany!!

Bob Crawford

Parsippany District 5 Fire Department Announces 2026 Officers

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Jan 3, 2026

Fire-District-5 — Parsippany District 5 Fire Department

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany District 5 Fire Department has announced its officers for the 2026 year, recognizing a dedicated group of volunteers who will lead the department in its mission to protect life and property within the community.

Brian Ricci will serve as Chief, with Marcus Dalakian appointed as Deputy Chief. Ken Lambert has been named 1st Captain, followed by Brian Cleary as 2nd Captain. Matt Palmieri will serve as 1st Lieutenant, with Alex Maletto appointed as 2nd Lieutenant.

The department’s executive officers for 2026 include Robert Campbell Sr. as President, Mike Lambert as Vice President, Jason McGrath as Treasurer, and Brian Felber as Secretary. Matt Palmieri will also serve in the role of Sergeant at Arms.

Parsippany District 5 Fire Department continues a proud tradition of volunteer service, training, and emergency response, providing fire protection, rescue services, and specialized response capabilities to the Parsippany community.

Morris County Reorganizes in Nation’s Semiquincentennial Year

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Jan 3, 2026

Doug-Gabel — In the tradition of colonial-era town criers, Denville Town Crier Douglas Gabel delivers announcements following Director Shaw’s remarks, calling out upcoming Morris County events planned in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners convened tonight for its annual reorganization, installing new leadership and swearing in reelected county officials as a town crier stepped forward to formally announce that the New Year marks the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.

Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw was sworn in as director and Commissioner John Krickus as deputy director of the board during the 6 p.m. meeting on the fifth floor of the Administration and Records Building in Morristown. Oaths of office also were administered to fellow Commissioners Douglas R. Cabana, Thomas J. Mastrangelo and Christine Myers, who were each reelected in November to three-year terms on the board, and Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, who was reelected to his fourth, five-year term.

A lifelong New Jersey resident serving his third term on the board, Director Shaw previously served as director in 2021 and most recently completed two consecutive years as deputy director. State Sen. Joseph Pennacchio administered the oath as Shaw’s wife, Cindy, held the Bible.

Senator Joseph Pennacchio administers the oath of office to Stephen H. Shaw, who was sworn in as director, as his wife, Cindy Shaw, holds the Bible.

“It is an honor to be chosen to serve as director in the year of the nation’s milestone anniversary. Each member of this board brings a different skillset, institutional knowledge and personality. We may not always agree, and sometimes our discussion can be spirited, but to me that is a strength that makes us arrive at better policy decisions,” Director Shaw said.

“Tonight, we will be appointing hundreds of volunteers that serve on our various advisory committees, commissions and boards. They are the heart and soul of our county government. Some have served for decades, and they all bring a wealth of talent and perspective to our board. Thank you all for your volunteer work,” he continued.

In the fashion of town-criers of yore, who would shout news and proclamation in the streets of colonial-era America, Denville Town Crier Douglas Gabel stepped forward after Director Shaw’s remarks to shout out events planned in Morris County this year in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Gabel, a former Denville councilman and current Morris County park commissioner, encouraged municipalities and residents to participate in the county’s semiquincentennial celebrations, reminding everyone to visit morriscounty250.org and follow @MorrisCounty250 on Facebook and Instagram for updates and a complete calendar of programs and events.

Commissioner Krickus, who has served on the board since 2020, including as director in 2023, was sworn in as deputy director by U.S. Rep. Thomas Kean, Jr. as Krickus’s wife, Carolyn, held the Bible.

“The hard work of this board and our county administration and employees allow me to say that Morris county is the best run county in New Jersey, by far,” said Deputy Director Krickus, before highlighting the ongoing initiatives supported by the commissioners at the County College of Morris and Morris County Vocational School District.

Commissioner Cabana, the longest-serving member of the board and now beginning his 11th term, was sworn in by Congressman Kean

Commissioner Cabana, the longest-serving member of the board and now beginning his 11th term, was also sworn in by Congressman Kean, with the Bible held by Cabana’s sister, Amy Bucco, and her husband, State Sen. Anthony Bucco. Cabana has served five times as director and four times as deputy director since joining the board in 1997.

Commissioner Mastrangelo, who had been director in 2013 and 2014, was sworn into his sixth term by his daughter, attorney Brittney Mastrangelo, while the Bible was held by his wife, Debbie, and their son, Chris.

Commissioner Myers, who is serving her third term, had been director in 2024. She was sworn in by Congressman Kean as her husband, Stan, held the Bible.

Sheriff Gannon was sworn into his fourth term by Morris/Sussex Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz. The Bible was held by the sheriff’s daughter, Kate, along with his son-in-law, Matt, his grandchildren, Luca and Ella, and his girlfriend, Lisa.

Other board members who joined the event were past-Director Tayfun Selen and Commissioner Deborah Smith. During the meeting, Commissioner Smith noted the recently presented 2026 Capital Budget and reaffirmed the board’s support for Israel, while Commissioner Selen deferred his remarks to a video summarizing highlights from the past year and previewing 2026 as a historic milestone.

The ceremony opened with a color guard procession led by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Joint Honor Guard, accompanied by bagpipes performed by Douglas Parody of the Police Pipes and Drums of Morris County. Sheriff Gannon led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem sung by Erin Dawson, a senior at the Morris County Vocational School District Academy for Performing Arts.

National Anthem sung by Erin Dawson, a senior at the Morris County Vocational School District Academy for Performing Arts.

The Rev. Michael Muller of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Mountain Lakes delivered the invocation and benediction.

A moment of silence was held in memory of Desmond Lloyd, a widely respected Morris County restaurateur and entrepreneur who, with his wife, Alice, opened The Grand Café in Morristown in 1981. An Irish immigrant who became a U.S. citizen in 1976, Lloyd built a life defined by hard work, generosity and community service, supporting numerous boards, organizations and charitable initiatives. He passed away on December 20, 2025, at the age of 85.

Included in the moment of silence was former U.S. Rep. Richard “Dick” Zimmer, who passed on New Year’s Eve. He served three terms in the House, after serving as a state Senator and state Assemblyman, representing portions of Morris County during his tenures in state and federal offices.

The Board of County Commissioners will hold its next work session and regular meeting on January 7, 2026 at the Administration and Records Building. The work session begins at 5:00 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. The meetings will continue to be held publicly in the Administration & Records Building and live streamed via WebEx through the county’s website.

Denville Police Arrest Morris Plains Man Following Route 10 Motor Vehicle Stop

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Jan 2, 2026

MORRIS COUNTY — A Morris Plains man was arrested on multiple drug, weapon, and warrant charges following a motor vehicle stop conducted by the Denville Police Department on New Year’s Day.

According to police, officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 10 eastbound at approximately 7:45 p.m. on January 1, 2026, due to equipment violations. During the investigation, officers identified a passenger in the vehicle as 48-year-old Eugenio Carmona of Morris Plains.

Police determined that Carmona initially provided false identifying information and was found to have multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest. As the investigation continued, officers discovered that Carmona was in possession of controlled dangerous substances, drug paraphernalia, and a weapon allegedly possessed for an unlawful purpose..

Carmona was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and hindering apprehension. Authorities also confirmed active warrants issued by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, along with ATS warrants from Parsippany, Woodland Park, Hanover Township, and Totowa municipal courts, totaling $9,500.

Following his arrest, Carmona was processed and transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility, where he remains pending a future court appearance.

Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Gelia Brutus Competes in NCAA Winter Athletics at Muhlenberg College

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Jan 2, 2026

PARSIPPANY — A 2025 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, Gelia Brutus of Mount Tabor is competing this winter as a freshman on the Muhlenberg College NCAA Division III women’s wrestling team while pursuing her college studies.

More than 30 percent of Muhlenberg students participate in the college’s 23 intercollegiate sports programs. The Muhls compete in NCAA Division III as members of the Centennial Conference, with athletic programs focused on leadership development, well-being, sportsmanship, and civic responsibility.

Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a highly selective, four-year residential liberal arts institution located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The college enrolls nearly 2,000 students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees and offers an academic experience designed to foster intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and lifelong learning.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, January 2026. Click here to read the magazine.

Letter to the Editor: An open letter to Mayor Desai

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Jan 2, 2026

Dear Editor:

As current and former Township employees, several who have lived in Parsippany for decades, we wish you, Mayor Desai much success. Although the election was close, the fact that you beat former Mayor Barberio with no money, no visible campaign to speak of, and no position on what you will do as mayor, speaks more about how inept Barberio really was and how much the people craved change.

Your job won’t be an easy one. It will be especially challenging considering you have no experience with local government. Please accept the following advice from the people who have worked at 1001 Parsippany Blvd for a combined 276 years.

Manage the Police Department. Police leadership will try to undermine you at every turn. For example, a deputy chief recently retired from the force and was just rehired by the police department as a gun permitting clerk. Parsippany already has one retired officer handling gun permits. Does Parsippany really need a second person sitting around all day processing permits? This is all handled online these days anyway.
The head of your Police Union (Editor’s Note: SOA) is the new owner of a Head shop in Parsippany. All township employees require written permission to own/have second jobs. Was permission obtained (after this letter is published, it will be)? Should your police officers really be running a marijuana dispensary in the same town in which they serve? Is this even legal? At a minimum, the optics are terrible. Reign in your police. Have them do their job and have them actually patrol. You live in Lake Parsippany. How fast do cars speed by your home every day?
Former Mayor Soriano’s Chief of Staff, Matt Clarkin, affectionately known throughout town hall as the Rasputin of Parsippany, is rumored to be returning, if not as an employee, then as the person making the decisions for you. For those who remember, Matt Clarkin was the architect of the failures of the Soriano administration, from pushing for PILOT deals for major developments like 1515 Route 10, and a litany of other embarrassments and issues that plagued Soriano’s Town Hall, to acting like a true party boss in the breakdown in relations between Soriano and his council colleagues and forcing them out from running for reelection. As town employees who have firsthand experience with Clarkin, you must take a step back from an individual who will likely continue to cause chaos for the people of Parsippany.

a. You seem like a nice man who wants to do good, but let’s be honest. Nobody, probably including yourself, really thought you were going to win. You are in a position you are not prepared for and are now being guided by the very person who destroyed Soriano’s administration from the inside. You can earn a lot of goodwill if you keep Clarkin far away from any position of power in the administration. This means any recommendations for board positions, vendors or jobs should be highly scrutinized and vetted. You are the Mayor now, not Clarkin, and he should do well to remember that.

b. Speaking of Clarkin, we are sure that he will call the editor of Parsippany Focus and say “Frank, I demand respect and you must tell me who wrote this letter. If you don’t, there will be no government contracts for you.”

c. Clarkin’s inability to tolerate dissenting opinions resulted in a total collapse in the relationship between Councilmembers Janice McCarthy and Emily Peterson. McCarthy was even punished by Clarkin, who declined to award the “county-line” for her county committee bid (of which McCarthy had represented her district for ten-plus years). You can find her statement here Councilmember McCarthy Denied Party Line For County Committee Seat | Parsippany Focus.

d. Clarkin even took his vendetta against Peterson to a new level when he decided to push a PILOT program for a redevelopment project right outside and next to Councilwoman Peterson’s home in retaliation. Should he return to Town Hall in any capacity, Council-member Hernandez and the incoming two Democrats should be wary of being on the receiving end of his toxic behavior.

e. The situation surrounding our township clerk was also rumored to have been leaked to the press by Clarkin in retaliation for not being sufficiently “loyal”. Information surrounding domestic violence situations like those are protected by law, and for everything to have been leaked to the press immediately after it happened opened the Township to legal action and violated the law.

3. Speaking of the Township Clerk, it was overheard that newly elected Councilwoman Patel recently told the township’s Clerk “not to worry” because the new Council will be keeping him employed. This kind of statement shows a complete lack of understanding of the role of the Township Council.

Mayor Desai, we are just scratching the surface. You have your work cut out for you. Before making a decision, ask yourself, is this good for Parsippany, or a few interested parties? If you choose what is good for Parsippany, you and all of us will succeed.

Current and Former Township employees
Names were withheld at the request of possible retaliation

Letter to the Editor: Did Parsippany Miss Its Opportunity to Expose Developers’ Tactics?

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Jan 2, 2026

Dear Editor:

December 31 affordable housing deadline, which required towns to resolve any challenges to their Fourth Round affordable housing plans. RISK losing? so this is why Parsippany Lame Duck Council, threw in the towel, and gave 30 year PILOT Deals for minimum affordable. No one had the due diligence to look into the illegality of this tactic, even though Highlands Communities have legal shields? State Legal Authority should look into this, how can a Town be punished for doing that?

The intention and spirit of the Mount Laurel decision have long lost their meaning. The need is: “affordable,” not what the market will bear. This whole market scenario is based on profits for corporate real estate developers, not on the need for housing as a fundamental passive right of citizenship.

Market Will Bear, does not met the need in an economy that serves few, and where builders determine land use, no matter the land character, be it farmland, wooded lots, or groundwater recharge, flat-earth type proposals, and threats from developers unscruplious lawyers, like the developer that took Waterview Landscape. Types like John Inglesino for example, allowed his way here in Parsippany under former Mayor Barberio.

Much of what we call Parsippany-Troy Hills, including its various services and departments and their employed staff, is a result of the Corporate Tax Rateable Chase. Now, suddenly, this phase of dependency is ending in favor of real estate developers’ new phase of the land speculation use, which is based upon office space, abandoned for housing in our time. So people of Parsippany need to accept the fact that this over-reliance on the “rateable chase” has left Parsippany an outlier in that it is subject to this Housing Need.
Land lost is lost just about forever once overdevelopment has occurred; property can then easily become the enemy of nature and of community character and oneness.

So PILOT capitulation to Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) deals for communities center on reduced funding for essential services like schools, a potential increase in property taxes for existing residents, and a lack of transparency and accountability in how the funds are managed and distributed. We say this lack of transparency and sudden lame duck sudden PILOT tactic at the end of this last Mayoral term. In 30 years much can change in how much funding the Municipality will actually receive.

PILOTs are intended for poor underserved blighted communities, not places like Parsippany. Whatever happened to the “Parsippany being the idle location”? In time the consequences of the PILOTs, and the disenfranchisement of the Federal Power in favor of corporate profits over democracy, and community itself, will further impact the taxpayer.

This senseless development for development’s sake, without providing the actual need for affordability, must come to an end. Spaces created within the realms of these significant developments will or must be made to lower their rents and fees in the spirit and intention of Mount Laurel, and rents will also need to be frozen, so they never exceed a percentage of the occupants’ actual income. The landowner will not suffer, for he owns the land, which nature (or god) created free. Rents and Fees are unearned income for that land, a form of exploitation when allowed. Federal tax dollars not invested in housing needs also shows extreme flaws in our system.

Never in the history of democratic societies has the populace been more removed from the decision-making process than it is today. Our Collective Global future is being made behind closed doors by trade representatives and appointed officials, with the blessing of amorphous, transnational corporations. As a society under unregulated laissez-faire capitalism, we have turned our Republic into a Corporatocracy, and now a Kleptocracy, a government of thieves, billionaires making life worse for the rest of us, a “Don’t Tread on Me” mentality; I got mine, and screw you.

When we see all the tax free church property that abounds here in Parsippany, we must ask, what good is any religion, if economic equity and justice is mistaken for democracy or government as intended. In 250 years we have failed in our quest for a republic toward a common good for all, within the realm of Nature, and its laws of sustainability. Economics is a political decision, not some science or market in a vacuum. Only Nature makes us great, and we have replaced Great Nature, and become Earth’s stewards, and in this we are failing. We have not learned the Ecology of Freedom, and have replaced nature itself, and our way of life to financial jargon, and endless growth. We keep proving we are a flawed species, and the market has replaced political honor and integrity. All things have limits, and capitalism as a way of governance has outlived any good it has or may have brought to this world. It has disenthralled our species from nature, from hence all life came and is sustained; hence all life came and is sustained. Thus community includes, air, soil, indigenous fauna and flora.

Nick Homyak

Legal Fight Over New Jersey Affordable Housing Enters Next Phase

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Jan 1, 2026

Four story building was approved for 169 Johnson Road. It will contain 69 market priced units and 18 affordable housing units

MORRIS COUNTY — A federal judge has granted a coalition of 29 municipalities an evidentiary hearing on their effort to halt New Jersey’s upcoming March 15, 2026, deadline to implement new affordable housing regulations.

Local Leaders for Responsible Planning announced on December 31 that Zahid Quraishi, a judge of the United States District Court, will hear testimony on January 7 at 10:00 a.m. in federal court in Trenton.

The announcement came as municipalities across New Jersey were scrambling to meet the State’s December 31 affordable housing deadline, which required towns to resolve any challenges to their Fourth Round affordable housing plans. The next major deadline is March 15, 2026, by which municipalities must adopt all ordinances and resolutions necessary to formally implement those plans.

Municipalities that fail to meet the required deadlines risk losing immunity from so-called builder’s remedy lawsuits. These lawsuits allow developers to bypass local zoning regulations and construct high-density housing developments, including affordable units, regardless of local land-use plans. In addition, municipalities that have not met their housing obligations could be required to pay developer fees or face court-ordered compliance measures.

New Jersey’s affordable housing framework, now more than 50 years old, is considered one of the strictest in the nation. It requires every municipality to provide its “fair share” of affordable housing under the State’s long-standing Mount Laurel Doctrine.

The lawsuit filed by Local Leaders for Responsible Planning argues that the State’s affordable housing mandate violates the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution. The group contends that the current system imposes disproportionate and unrealistic development obligations on certain municipalities while exempting others, relying on what it describes as an outdated formula developed more than 40 years ago.

By county, the municipalities bringing the lawsuit include:

Bergen County: Allendale, Closter, Franklin Lakes, Hillsdale, Montvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Oradell, Washington Township, Westwood and Wyckoff.
Morris County: Denville, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover, Mendham, Montville and Wharton.
Essex County: Cedar Grove, Millburn and West Caldwell.
Hunterdon County: West Amwell.
Monmouth County: Wall and Holmdel.
Passaic County: Little Falls and Totowa.
Salem County: Mannington.
Somerset County: Warren.

Courts have already rejected several prior attempts by the coalition to block or delay the State’s Fourth Round affordable housing obligations, which were formally issued in October 2024. Despite those rulings, the group continues to pursue legal challenges as municipalities face mounting pressure to comply with the upcoming implementation deadlines.

The January 7 evidentiary hearing will determine whether the court will grant temporary relief from the March 15, 2026 deadline or allow the State’s affordable housing framework to proceed as scheduled.

Marianne Willis-Cucchiara Appointed to Human Services Director

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Jan 1, 2026

Marianne-Willis-Cucchiara-1 — Marianne Willis-Cucchiara Appointed to Human Services Director

PARSIPPANY — Marianne Willis-Cucchiara has officially been promoted to Director of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Department of Human Services, a role that oversees a wide range of essential programs serving residents across the township.

The Department of Human Services is comprised of the Office of Health, the Office of Social Services, and the Office on Aging and the Physically Handicapped. Together, these offices provide a comprehensive and complex network of services designed to protect public health, support residents in need, and enable senior citizens and individuals with disabilities to live happy, full, and purposeful lives.

Willis-Cucchiara emphasized the importance of collaboration as the department moves forward, noting that partnerships with agencies and organizations outside the department will be critical to achieving its goals. By working together with community partners, the department aims to deliver more cost-effective, coordinated, and complete services to Parsippany residents.

A Career Rooted in Service

A lifelong Lake Hiawatha and Parsippany resident, Willis-Cucchiara has deep personal and professional ties to the community she now serves as director. She lives in town with her husband and two children, and is also the mother of two adult sons. Her passion for public service began years before her municipal career, volunteering for more than two decades with the Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad, where she served as an EMT and held leadership roles including Captain, Lieutenant, and President.

Professionally, Willis-Cucchiara has served the township since January 2016 as a Public Health Nurse with the Parsippany Health Department, and was promoted to Public Health Nurse Supervisor in April 2024. In that role, she was responsible for ensuring compliance with New Jersey Department of Health guidelines, managing federally funded vaccination programs, coordinating township health clinics, overseeing pediatric lead case management, and responding to communicable disease outbreaks in coordination with state health officials.

Her work has also included collaboration with school nurses and daycare facilities, audits of vaccination compliance, medical assessments for seniors, emergency response support at the senior center, and extensive community education initiatives.

Willis-Cucchiara holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Saint Elizabeth and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Prior to her nursing career, she spent 13 years working for Weichert, and earlier professional experience includes positions in physician offices, home care agencies, and hospital settings.

Looking Ahead

With decades of hands-on experience in emergency services, public health, and municipal leadership, Willis-Cucchiara brings a well-rounded and deeply informed perspective to her new role as Director of Human Services. Her promotion reflects a continued commitment to strengthening Parsippany’s health and human service programs while expanding partnerships that enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages.

A New Chapter Begins — Desai Stands at Town Hall Ahead of Official Swearing-In

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Jan 1, 2026

PARSIPPANY — With township signs now updated to reflect a change in leadership, Pulkit Desai stood outside Town Hall on Thursday, January 1, in a quiet but symbolic moment marking the transition to a new administration in Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Behind the scenes, the visible changes across town were the result of coordinated work by township staff. On New Year’s Day, Joe Jannarone Jr., Superintendent of Maintenance, along with dedicated Parks and Forestry employees, spent the day traveling throughout Parsippany installing updated municipal signage welcoming Mayor Desai. The effort ensured that signage across the township accurately reflected the results of the November election as the community prepared for the official inauguration.

Joe Jannarone Jr., Superintendent of Maintenance, updates municipal signage throughout Parsippany to reflect the township’s new leadership as the New Year begins.

While the updated signs signal the beginning of a new era, the official swearing-in ceremony for Mayor Desai and the newly elected Township Council members is scheduled for Saturday, January 3, when the new governing body will formally take office.

A Symbolic Transition

The refreshed signage at Town Hall and throughout Parsippany serves as a visual reminder of the peaceful transfer of power at the local level. Residents passing through the municipal complex and along township roadways have already taken notice, reflecting anticipation ahead of the formal installation ceremony.

A Close and Historic Election

Desai was elected mayor following one of the closest mayoral races in Parsippany history, narrowly defeating incumbent James Barberio by approximately 80 votes, out of nearly 20,000 ballots cast. The final outcome was determined after all mail-in, provisional, and overseas ballots were counted, underscoring the importance of voter participation in local elections.

In addition to the mayoral contest, voters elected Diya Patel and Matt Kavanagh to the Township Council, shaping the governing body that will be formally seated on January 3.

During the inauguration, Mayor Desai will be sworn in by Raj Mukherji. Councilwoman Patel will be sworn in by Lori Grifa, and Councilman Kavanagh will be sworn in by Khaled Madin.

Looking Ahead to January 3

The upcoming Inauguration Ceremony will officially mark the start of Desai’s term as mayor and the beginning of a new chapter for Parsippany-Troy Hills. Mayor-elect Desai has emphasized collaboration, transparency, and restoring trust in local government as priorities for his administration.

As the township prepares for Saturday’s ceremony, the newly installed signs—made possible through the work of township maintenance, parks, and forestry staff—stand as an early symbol of transition, signaling both change and continuity as Parsippany moves forward under new leadership.

New Jersey Raises Maximum Weekly Unemployment Benefit to $905

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Jan 1, 2026

Girl-Reading-Classifieds — A woman scans the classifieds, exploring new career opportunities and taking the next step toward finding the right job fit.

MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has announced updated maximum benefit rates and taxable wage bases for several worker benefit programs, all of which will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Under the new rates, the maximum weekly Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefit will increase to $905, up from $875 in 2025. The maximum weekly benefit for state plan Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI) will rise to $1,119, an increase from $1,081. In addition, the maximum weekly Workers’ Compensation benefit for temporary disability, permanent total disability, permanent partial disability, and dependency will increase to $1,199, up from $1,159.

State officials noted that maximum benefit rates and taxable wage bases are recalculated annually based on the statewide average weekly wage (SAWW) from the second preceding calendar year, as required by law. The 2026 rates are based on the 2024 SAWW of $1,598.66, which represents a 3.4% increase from the $1,545.60 average weekly wage recorded in 2023.

The taxable wage base for workers covered under the Unemployment Compensation Law will increase to $44,800 in 2026, up from $43,300 in 2025. Meanwhile, the taxable wage base for Temporary Disability Insurance and Family Leave Insurance will rise to $171,100, compared to $165,400 in the prior year.

Eligibility thresholds will also increase in 2026. To qualify for UI, TDI, or FLI benefits, workers must earn at least $310 per week for 20 base weeks, up from $303 in 2025. Alternatively, individuals who do not meet the base week requirement must earn at least $15,500 during the base year period, an increase from $15,200.

These eligibility thresholds are calculated using the New Jersey minimum wage in effect as of October 1, 2025, which was $15.49 per hour for most employees. The state minimum wage is scheduled to rise by $0.43 to $15.92 per hour on January 1, 2026.

In a related update, the contribution rate for state and local government entities that choose to contribute to the Unemployment Insurance trust fund—rather than reimburse it for benefits paid—will decrease to 0.5% of taxable wages in 2026, down from 0.6% in 2025.

State labor officials emphasized that these annual adjustments are intended to keep benefit levels aligned with wage growth and economic conditions across New Jersey.

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Collects Food Donations at Networking Event

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Dec 31, 2025

PACC-Food-Donation — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Board Members Ildiko Peluso and Dave Blinder, Executive Board Member Frank Cahill, and Marianne Willis-Cucchiara, Human Services Director for Parsippany-Troy Hills

PARSIPPANY — Members of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce once again demonstrated their commitment to giving back to the community by collecting food donations during a recent Juice Up Your Morning networking event.

The effort was led by Chamber President Robert Peluso, joined by Board Members Ildiko Peluso and Dave Blinder, along with Executive Board Member Frank Cahill. Also in attendance was Marianne Willis-Cucchiara, Human Services Director for Parsippany-Troy Hills, who accepted the donations on behalf of the township’s human services programs.

Chamber members were encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to the popular morning networking event, turning a business-focused gathering into an opportunity to support local residents facing food insecurity. The donated items will be distributed through Parsippany’s human services efforts to help individuals and families in need.

“The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce has always believed in supporting the community we do business in,” Peluso said. “Our members consistently step up, whether it’s through donations, volunteerism, or advocacy.”

Willis-Cucchiara thanked the Chamber and its members for their continued partnership, noting that community-driven donations play an important role in meeting local needs throughout the year.

The Juice Up Your Morning series is one of the Chamber’s regular networking programs, designed to connect local professionals while fostering collaboration and civic engagement. Through initiatives like this food collection, the Chamber continues to blend business networking with meaningful community impact. For more information, click here.

New Jersey Senate Approves Bill Requiring Emergency Key Boxes at School Buildings

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Dec 30, 2025

emerency-key-box — Emergency Key Box installed on an exterior brick wall, providing first responders with rapid, damage-free access during emergencies. File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Senate has passed legislation that would require school buildings across the state to install secure exterior emergency key boxes to improve first responder access during critical situations.

The bill, S-4440, sponsored by Angela V. McKnight and Shirley K. Turner, mandates that each public school facility have at least one designated secure exterior key box containing building keys and access devices for use by first responders. The measure is designed to help law enforcement and emergency personnel gain quicker entry during emergencies without having to locate school staff first — potentially saving critical minutes in crisis situations.

Supporters of the bill emphasized that delays in accessing school buildings can hamper emergency responses during events such as lockdowns or active threats, and that standardized key boxes would complement existing school safety protocols.

Under provisions included in committee amendments, the requirement will take effect subject to the availability of state appropriations, and schools may apply for exemptions if they have equivalent emergency access plans already in place. Costs associated with installation are to be covered by the State, with reimbursement available for districts that install key boxes after the bill’s enactment.

The bill now moves on to the Governor of New Jersey for consideration.

Parsippany Celebrate Councilwoman-Elect Diya Patel’s Golden Birthday and Election Victory

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Dec 30, 2025

Diya-Patel — Friends, family, and supporters packed Social Hub by Dhaba on Sunday, December 28, to celebrate Councilwoman-elect Diya Patel’s golden birthday and election victory, joined by Mayor-elect Pulkit Desai and local Parsippany Democrats.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Democrats gathered on Sunday, December 28, to celebrate the Golden Birthday & Victory Celebration of Councilwoman-elect Diya Patel, marking both a personal milestone and her successful bid for Parsippany Town Council.

The event was held at Social Hub by Dhaba on Route 46 and drew a large crowd. Friends, family, and supporters packed the venue, coming together for a spirited and well-attended evening to honor Patel’s birthday and election success.

Also attending was Mayor-Elect Pulkit Desai, who joined local Democrats and community members in celebrating the recent election results and the momentum heading into the new administration.

Mayor-elect Pulkit Desai attended with his wife, while Diya Patel’s parents, family, and supporters were also present at the celebration.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by the incredible support I’ve received from every corner of our community. I look forward to serving the people of Parsippany with honesty, transparency, and a service-first mentality to give back to the community that has given me so much throughout my life,” said Diya Patel.

In the 2025 General Election, Democrats saw strong results in Parsippany. Official results show that Pulkit Desai was elected mayor with 9,978 votes, narrowly defeating incumbent Republican Mayor James R. Barberio, who received 9,898 votes — a margin of just 80 votes. Meanwhile, Matt Kavanagh received 10,715 votes, and Diya Patel received 10,487 votes in the race for two open council seats, outpacing their Republican opponents.

The gathering reflected the enthusiasm within Parsippany’s Democratic community following the November election and provided an opportunity for supporters to congratulate both Patel and Desai ahead of their upcoming swearing-in.

H2M Architects + Engineers Announces New Professional Hires

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Dec 29, 2025

Sophia Schaefer. Photos by Anthony Davis, Graphics Designer at H2M

PARSIPPANY — H2M architects + engineers continues to expand its professional team with the addition of several new hires across its New Jersey and New York offices, including new talent working out of the firm’s Parsippany location. H2M is located at 119 Cherry Hill Road, Suite 110, Parsippany.

Among the recent hires is Christopher Jason Parris, P.E., PMP, who joined H2M architects + engineers as Deputy PMO Director on December 1, 2025. He is based in the firm’s New York City office and resides in Fanwood.

Joining the Parsippany office is Sophia Schaefer, E.I.T., who began her role as a Staff Engineer on December 15, 2025. Schaefer resides in Hoboken and brings a strong technical background to the firm’s local engineering team.

Also starting December 15, 2025, Thomas Yeh, R.A., NCARB joined H2M architects + engineers as a Project Architect. Yeh is based in the Parsippany office and resides in East Hanover, further strengthening the firm’s architectural services in the region.

In addition, Issah Madugu, E.I.T. joined the firm as a Project Engineer on December 15, 2025. He is based in H2M’s Wall, New Jersey office and resides in Linden.

H2M architects + engineers is a full-service consulting and design firm employing more than 580 professionals, including architects, engineers, planners, designers, inspectors, surveyors, and scientists. The firm provides expertise across water supply, civil and site engineering, structural, M/E/P, wastewater, and environmental disciplines.

Known for its collaborative approach and technical excellence, H2M has a long-standing reputation for delivering practical solutions with creative results while responding to the evolving needs of its clients.

For more information, visit www.h2m.com.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, January 2026. Click here to view the magazine.

Morris County 2026 Reorganization Meeting Set

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Dec 29, 2025

Parsippany Focus, Newspapers in Parsippany, Parsippany news — Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners will convene for its annual reorganization meeting on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., when Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw is slated to succeed Tayfun Selen as director. Commissioner John Krickus will serve as deputy director in 2026.

Commissioners Douglas R. Cabana, Thomas J. Mastrangelo and Christine Myers, who were re-elected in November to additional three-year terms, will take their oaths of office. Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, who also was re-elected in November, will be sworn in to his fourth three-year term.

The meeting will be held on the fifth floor of the Administration and Records Building at 10 Court Street in Morristown and will also be accessible for viewing via Webex.

Commissioner Shaw, a lifelong resident of New Jersey, has served the past two years as commissioner deputy director. He is serving his third term on the board and was commissioner director for 2021.

About the Reelected Commissioners

Douglas R. Cabana is the longest-serving member of the Board of County Commissioners, having joined the board in April 1997, when it was still known as the Board of Chosen Freeholders. He has been elected by his colleagues to serve as director five times and deputy director four times. Cabana is a member of the budget committee, a voting member of the New Jersey Association of Counties and serves as liaison to the county’s Department of Information Technology, the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Morris County Park Commission.

Thomas J. Mastrangelo is serving his sixth, three-year term on the board, making him the second longest-serving member of the current commissioners. Mastrangelo, a lifelong New Jersey resident, was first elected in November 2010 and was selected by his colleagues to serve as director in 2013 and 2014. He is the board liaison to the Heritage Commission, the Office of Planning and Preservation, and the Economic Development Committee.

Christine Myers is serving her third term as a Morris County commissioner and was appointed to serve as director in 2024. During her first term, she led the adoption of the county’s strategic plan and debt reserve policy. In 2017, she was appointed regional advocate to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy by the Trump administration, where she addressed regulatory challenges facing thousands of business owners. Myers is liaison to the Capital Budget/Facilities Review Committee, the Economic Development Committee, the Department of Human Services, and the Improvement Authority.

Rounding out the seven-member Board of County Commissioners is Commissioner Deborah Smith.

Morris County’s seven-member Board of County Commissioners is elected at-large to serve staggered three-year terms. The board oversees policies for six county departments, including Employee Resources, Finance, Human Services, Law & Public Safety, Public Works, and Information Technology. Day-to-day operations are managed by County Administrator Deena Leary, with each commissioner acting as a liaison to specific departments and areas of government. The essential services provided by county government are those that either cannot appropriately be provided by the state or are beyond the scope or ability of local governments.

County government responsibilities are divided into two distinct types:

functions the county must perform as mandated by the state
permissive functions the county may carry out in compliance with state law

The mandatory areas of responsibility are:

Court facilities (New Jersey State runs court operations)
Law enforcement and the operation of a county jail
General assistance or welfare
Education
Construction and maintenance of county roads and bridges
Conducting elections

In addition to required services, Morris County government provides a variety of programs and services which benefit the entire county. County-level management and delivery of these services provides significant cost savings and efficiencies over duplicative services from municipality to municipality. This saves taxpayer dollars, while enhancing the quality of life for those living and working in the county.

These vital services include:

Morris County Park System
Morris County Library
Training for police, fire and other emergency services personnel
Solid waste management and recycling
Mosquito Control
Job training and re-training
MAPS paratransit system, a transportation program for senior citizens and people with disabilities
A flood mitigation program
An Office of Veterans Services
A nutrition program for senior citizens

Letter to the Editor: Mayor Barberio, it’s time

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Dec 29, 2025

Dear Editor:

As a long time Parsippany resident I watched the recent municipal election with fascination. Wondering if the voters would turnout in a non-presidential year and how they would grade the municipal government’s performance. Surprisingly the voters turned out in record numbers, and by an overwhelming majority rejected an incumbent Councilman and his running mate. The mayoral race was a lot closer, a real nail biter! In the end Mayor Barberio was defeated by 80 votes out of almost 20,000 ballots. Mayor Barberio then sought two recount which were both rejected by the judge. Then Mayor Barberio sought to challenge the election on a number of grounds. A court date was set for the challenge. Before the court date, at a pre-trial hearing Judge Franzblau ruled that Barberio’s claims of voting irregularities were based on “information and belief” without documented evidence and he dismissed the challenge with prejudice.

This entire situation reminds me of the 2000 Presidential Election when Al Gore challenged the election at the Supreme Court. After the Supreme Court ruled that George Bush won and Al Gore lost, Mr Gore issued the following statement:
“I say to President-elect Bush that what remains of partisan rancor must now be put aside, and may G-d bless his stewardship of this country.. Now the US Supreme Court has spoken. Let there be no doubt, while I strongly disagree with the court’s decision. I accept it… And tonight, for the sake of our unity as a people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession.”

Mayor Barberio has had his day in court; it is now time for him to concede the election publicly, congratulate Mayor-elect Desai, and work with the newly elected team to ensure a smooth transition.

Stephen Mandel

Letter to the Editor: There Are Still Good People

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Dec 29, 2025

Dear Editor:

Good people still exist. I recently dropped my wallet in a parking lot of a doctor’s office. I had no idea it was gone until I reached home. After mentally retracing my steps between the two locations, I was about to leave my house to look for the wallet.

Like an angel, someone rang my doorbell with my wallet in hand. To say I was relieved does not begin to say how I felt. I offered a reward, but she would not hear of it, and was so kind, just speaking of donating to a charity. It is not possible to put into words what that meant to me.

All I know is that her name is Maxine and she drives a red Subaru. Should you be fortunate enough to know Maxine, you already know how kind she is.

Once again, Maxine, I Thank You so very much.

Rich Suarez

Pennacchio: I’m A Hard ‘No’ On Sales Tax Increase—How Does This Make N.J. More Affordable?

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Dec 28, 2025