Dear Editor:

I came to this country many years ago. I work hard, raised my family here in Parsippany, and care deeply about this town. 

Mayor Barberio ignored residents in 2022 with the PLA vote, and at the end of 2023, he ignored the opinions of more than 1,000 residents during the PILOT meeting.

I always believed leaders should respect the people who elected them.

But now, I see something very wrong.

Mayor Barberio hides in the basement like Biden when it’s time to speak with voters or time for debates with opponents. 

Many of us are immigrants, seniors, and young families. We have real problems—high taxes, bad roads, too much building. And now these candidates don’t even show up to explain or answer questions?  That shows they don’t respect us. 

They will not listen later if they don’t talk to us now.

I came here for democracy. For leaders who are honest, open, and speak to the people. Parsippany deserves better than this, and local Republicans don’t have to settle. Justin Musella, Casey Parikh, and John Bielen will return the power to the people in our community, not for the select outside interests.

Strong Republican 
Sam Labkovsky 

PARSIPPANY — Every day, lives are lost waiting for an organ that never comes—but one local organization is working to change that. On Sunday, April 27, at 3:00 p.m., the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library will host A Second Chance Project, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about the lifesaving power of organ donation.

The one-hour presentation, free and open to the public, will offer attendees a powerful, personal look into the world of organ donation. The program will feature moving stories from real transplant recipients and donor families, myth-busting facts about the donation process, and clear guidance on how to register as a donor or advocate for the cause.

“This presentation is more than just information—it’s an invitation to change lives,” said Meghana Metla, A Second Chance Project representative. “We want to help our community understand that becoming a donor is not only possible—it’s one of the most meaningful decisions you can make.”

“Attending this seminar will give you engaging ways to learn how to help in any way you can – from delivering care baskets to signing up to be a donor. Even a small effort can lead to something big,” said Vaidehi Desai, a student leading this effort.

Attendees can expect:

• Real-life stories from recipients and donor families
• Vital statistics showing the urgency of organ donation
• A clear explanation of how the donation process works
• Opportunities to register as a donor or become a volunteer advocate
• An interactive Q&A session

The event aims to educate and empower people of all ages, especially those who may be unsure about or unfamiliar with organ donation.

Whether you’re looking to get involved, seeking answers, or simply wanting to support the cause, this event offers an important opportunity to join the conversation and potentially help save a life.

Event Details:
•Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
•Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
•Location: Parsippany-Troy Hills Library, 449 Halsey Road, Parsippany
•Admission: Free and open to all

For more information, visit www.asecondchanceproject.org or follow the organization on Instagram at @a.second.chance.project.

PARSIPPANY — In response to the heartbreaking terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, the Hindu community of New Jersey will hold a Prayer Meet and Vigil on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Veterans Park, located at 1839 Route 46, Parsippany.

The event invites all community members to come together in unity, prayer, and remembrance. Attendees are encouraged to wear white as a symbol of peace and solidarity.

Organizers emphasize the importance of standing united against terrorism and violence, offering support to the victims’ families and honoring the lives lost in the tragedy.

“This gathering is a way for us to show that love, compassion, and unity are stronger than hate,” said a spokesperson for the organizing committee.

All residents are welcome to participate. Veterans Park will serve as the backdrop for the evening of reflection, with candles lit in memory of the victims.

Dear Editor:

I supported James Barberio in the past. I believed he had the experience to guide Parsippany forward. But what I’ve seen during this campaign has left me deeply disappointed.

Refusing to take part in an open, in-person debate with the community is not just bad politics—it’s a betrayal of public trust. The League of Women Voters offered multiple dates and a fair, neutral platform. Councilman Musella accepted immediately. The mayor refused in-person, insisting on a Zoom-only event with no audience. That’s not transparency. That’s evasion.

And it’s not just the mayor. Councilman Frank Neglia and Jigar Shah, who are running alongside him, also declined the League’s invitation. Silence from one candidate is concerning. Silence from three is a warning to all Parsippany voters— they think it is their civil right to keep their phony baloney jobs in perpetuity.

Parsippany deserves leaders who don’t run from tough questions. I can no longer support a team that won’t even show up and urge all voters to reject the entire Barberio ticket

Danny Smith

Dear Editor:

We are writing not out of frustration, but out of a deep love for our community and a commitment to its future.

Over the years, we’ve supported Mayor Barberio, believing in his dedication to Parsippany. However, recent developments have led us to reassess that support. Our town faces challenges—rising taxes, deteriorating infrastructure, and public safety concerns—requiring leadership willing to engage openly and work collaboratively with residents.

It’s important to acknowledge that leadership is about more than just policy; it’s about presence, transparency, and a willingness to listen. When leaders are accessible and responsive, they inspire confidence and foster a sense of shared purpose.

That’s why we are supporting Justin Musella. Justin has demonstrated a genuine commitment to our community through his active engagement and transparent approach. He listens to residents, values their input, and is dedicated to making Parsippany a place where families can thrive.

We believe Justin’s leadership will bring the positive change our town deserves. We encourage others to learn more about his vision and consider joining us in supporting his candidacy.

Together, we can work towards a brighter future for Parsippany.

Sean and Diane Byrne

Dear Editor:

I believe this is the most momentous local election in my 55 years living in Parsippany.  It would be a shame if anyone lost the election because they took the voters for granted and showed they did not have the conviction or courage to tell us why we should vote for them!  We need each SERIOUS candidate to stand face to face with all of us, the voters of Parsippany. 

I know Mayor Barberio pretty well.  He has not hesitated to show his combativeness or opinions in the past.  I am asking him to rethink his refusal to give ME and the many other voters of Parsippany the respect and attention we deserve by allowing us to attend as he and his opponents vie for our vote.

The League of Women Voters has always done a great job of ensuring the debates are meaningful and well managed.  I cannot understand why THIS year the candidates running for office in Parsippany cannot seem to come together on ANY night during this political voting season, IN PERSON, to inform the voters why we should vote for them.  I am not interested in watching a ZOOM or streaming exercise from home or the office. Internet failure around here is much more prevalent than any of us would like, and some of us are not computer literate or may not even have a computer.  I want to attend to see, hear, and feel each candidate as they tell me WHY it would be good for me to vote for THEM.

Hank Heller

New Jersey is a wonderful place to call home. Nearly ten million Americans have made their way to The Garden State, and there’s no sign of stopping. If you’re ready for a home near excellent healthcare, top-notch public transit, and access to major American urban hubs like New York City, you may find New Jersey to be a fantastic option. New Jersey has a unique housing market that can be tricky to navigate for beginners and newcomers, so you’re going to need to learn some local insight first.

Research and Consider All Markets

New Jersey is far more than just a connection to Philadelphia or New York City. There are tons of housing markets, some competitive and others cooler, that meet a wide variety of needs. Beachfront condos, forested park model homes, small-town charming cottages, and urban townhomes all fit in The Garden State easily. 

Northern New Jersey, especially near New York City, will be generally more expensive, and the market is white-hot. Central New Jersey is far more diverse, with a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas. The more rural, the less expensive. South Jersey is known for its affordability compared to other parts of the state. You can get some stunning waterfront views here, but those might come at a price, especially in Ocean City or Atlantic City. 

Each city has something to offer, so it’s important to research all of them. Taxes, housing markets, school ratings, and crime rates will all vary. You may think you’ve settled on a particular area, but give others a chance before you decide.

Don’t Forget About Property Taxes

If you’re house hunting in New Jersey, you’re likely already aware of the steep property taxes the state faces. You mustn’t forget them. Your estimated payments can skyrocket when you don’t factor in all the costs of your mortgage and property. If there’s a list price that seems affordable, check that city or county’s annual property tax rates. You’ll need to factor this into your homebuying budget. Your lender and real estate agent can help you find something you can afford, but you may have to lower your list price goals.

Get Pre-Approved

A lot of areas in New Jersey are very competitive. Homes might only last hours on the market before they’re snatched up. You’ll want to be able to make an offer with confidence and without delay. A mortgage pre-approval is the perfect way to make your offer without having to go through the full process first. A pre-approval shows a seller you’re serious and ready to get started; don’t underestimate its power.

Know the Risks of Coastal Properties

Waterfront New Jersey properties are highly appealing to many buyers, especially near large entertainment cities like Atlantic City or charming, quiet beach towns like Cape May. If you’re one of those buyers, be absolutely certain of flood zones and insurance quotes. In areas prone to floods, you may be liable for flood insurance, which can add to your annual expenses. You can check FEMA flood zones or maps from insurance companies to see how potential properties might be affected by floods. Near coastal areas or flood-prone land, expect to pay more, and protect your home the best you can from water damage.

Check Crime Rates and School Quality

If a home price seems too good to be true, make sure you check the surrounding area. Location plays a major role in home prices, and you may be in an area with a poorly rated school system or an unusually high crime rate. Even if you don’t have kids, factors like school system ratings matter; they can affect your home’s value, which can impact your financial health. If you care about your home as an investment, make sure the school district is decently rated. You can check online for school district ratings in any area.

Pay Attention to Your Commute

If you already have a job in New Jersey that you’ll need to drive to, you don’t want to spend hours commuting. Check the average traffic times going to and from work, especially at the exact times. Rush hour can even triple your trip time. New Jersey is well-known for its high-quality transit systems; make sure you have access to them if necessary, and your commute won’t be more than you can handle. If you work in New York City or Philadelphia, you’ll want your city to have excellent public transit and ways to mitigate traffic as much as possible.

Get a Jersey Real Estate Agent

In competitive markets, it’s tough to make a quick and attractive offer. You can miss out on a dream home if you don’t have experience on your side. New Jersey real estate agents have experience with the volatile market and know what a good offer for a home is. They see the difference between local markets, too. They’ll take your needs and wants and find the best match that meets your budget. Agents are very beneficial for homebuyers, especially in New Jersey.

Learn New Jersey Homebuying Programs

New Jersey has excellent homebuying programs for a wide variety of groups, including first-time homebuyers or those who haven’t purchased a home in three years. You may qualify for some of these programs or grants that offer down payment assistance, lower interest rates, or deferred, forgivable down payment loans. Options like NJHMFA’s Down Payment Assistance Program can help homebuyers manage costs and make homeownership more accessible. Your lender may know about programs you qualify for, but they may not work with all of them, so doing your research is wise.

ConclusionNew Jersey is a diverse mix of beautiful scenery, decent healthcare, and economic resources that make owning a home here valuable. It’s a great place for families, young professionals, and retirees alike, but there are some caveats that newcomers should be aware of before diving into the housing market. Competition is fierce, and property tax rates can be unforgiving. Working with an agent, learning about homebuyer programs, and researching the market can help you make a truly worthwhile investment.

PARSIPPANY — St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, First Baptist Community Church, and St. Andrew Lutheran Church of Parsippany participated in an “Ecumenical Service and Walk with the Cross” on Good Friday, April 18.

The walk started at St. Gregory’s Church at 1:00 p.m., continued down South Beverwyck Road to Reynolds Avenue, and ended at St. Andrew Lutheran Church of Parsippany.

PARSIPPANY — Representatives from Warrior Strong Inc. were on hand to provide an insightful presentation on their Veterans’ free health and fitness programs to the 60-plus assembled members who were on hand for the Lodge’s monthly meeting. The group was very receptive, attentive, and appreciative of the Warrior Strong initiatives, as many in the crowd, including veterans, were not familiar with the program, which can be found in our own backyard.

Representing Warrior Strong were CEO/President Tommy Tice, Advisor Mike Totter, and U.S.M.C. Combat Veteran and Chairman of the Board, Roberto Bacero, who served two tours in Iraq between 2004 and 2008. Following their presentation, the Sons of Italy were honored to provide a generous donation to the Warrior Strong program.

Warrior Strong Inc. supports our veterans by providing free health and wellness programs. Through health and wellness, Warrior Strong helps veterans, veteran family members, and first responders find community and camaraderie and overcome the sense of detachment, disconnection, and isolation they often experience in civilian life.

Warrior Strong Inc. is made up of business professionals who are committed to supporting our veterans by providing free health and wellness programs. As a company, Warrior Strong Inc. is founded on the principle of caring for those who served our Country and is dedicated to helping veterans heal and thrive after their service.

Although headquartered in Scranton, PA, they also offer their services to Morris County veterans at 60 East Hanover Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ, where they host free workout classes. They are running a weekly aquatics program on Wednesday afternoon from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the West Morris YMCA in Randolph. Their schedule can be found on their website at www.warriorstronginc.org for more information and to sign up for one of their programs.

Warrior Strong Inc. Headquarters is at 311 Adams Ave, Scranton, PA. Phone: (862) 324-6322, email at [email protected], or on their website at www.warriorstronginc.org. They can also be found and followed on social media.

The Morris County Lodge 2561 of the Order of Sons of Italy is one of America’s largest and longest Italian American organizations. It was founded as a non-profit organization that contributes thousands of dollars to worthwhile local charities and families. 100% of what it raises goes directly back to local needy families as gift cards and local charities, including, but not limited to, the Parsippany Food Pantry, Inter-Faith Food Pantry, the Shelter for Battered Women, the Alzheimer’s Foundation, local high school scholarships, and many more.

PARSIPPANY — As the June 10 Republican primary approaches, Parsippany-Troy Hills is witnessing a contentious battle between incumbent Mayor James Barberio and Councilman Justin Musella, highlighting deep divisions within the local GOP.​

A Divided Republican Front
Mayor Barberio, seeking a fourth term, has faced criticism from Musella and his supporters over issues like overdevelopment and tax incentives for developers. Musella, who announced his candidacy last June, argues that the current administration has prioritized special interests over residents’ concerns. In response, Barberio emphasizes his experience and the town’s economic growth under his leadership.​

Morris County GOP Chairwoman Laura Ali’s (and owner of TapInto Parsippany) efforts to unify the party through a joint ticket were unsuccessful. Musella rejected the proposal and continued his campaign independently. ​

Candidates and Running Mates
Musella’s ticket includes Casey Parikh, a former Planning Board Chairman, and John Bielen, a business development professional. Both have been vocal about the need for change in local governance.

Barberio is running alongside incumbent Councilman Frank Neglia and Jigar Shah, the mayor’s liaison to the Indian American community. Their campaign focuses on continued development and fiscal responsibility. ​

Democratic Opposition
On the Democratic side, Pulkit Desai, a cybersecurity expert and president of the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association, has been nominated for mayor. His council running mates are Matt Kavanagh, a Navy veteran and environmental advocate, and Diya Patel, a law student and Parsippany Hills High School alumna. ​

Upcoming Debate
The League of Women Voters of the Morris Area, in collaboration with the Daily Record and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Morristown Alumnae Chapter, will host a virtual Republican mayoral debate on Thursday, May 15, at 7:00 p.m. The forum will be livestreamed and available later on the League’s YouTube channel. Residents can submit questions for the candidates by May 13 at 4:00 p.m. by clicking here. 

​The Puddingstone Community Club (PCC) is set to host a mayoral debate on Wednesday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the PCC Clubhouse. The debate will feature confirmed participants Republican Councilman Justin Musella and Democrat Pulkit Desai. Incumbent Republican Mayor James Barberio has not responded to the PCC’s formal invitation, continuing to avoid direct public engagement. The debate will include opening statements, moderated questions, rebuttals, audience-submitted inquiries, and closing remarks.

Looking Ahead
With early voting scheduled from June 3 to June 8 and the primary on June 10, Parsippany residents will soon decide which Republican candidate will face Desai in the November general election. The outcome could significantly influence the township’s development, taxation, and community engagement direction.