PARSIPPANY — With just three weeks until election day, the 32 BJ SEIU is the latest high-profile endorsement for the Team Soriano Campaign. The Service Employees International Union, which represents over 13,000 members in New Jersey, joins a long list of elected officials, organizations, and community leaders supporting Mayor Michael Soriano, Cori Herbig, and Judy Hernandez – including the Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association, Former Police Chief Miller, and the League of Conservation Voters.
“It is clear from the robust support from unions, law enforcement, and advocacy organizations that Mayor Soriano, Cori Herbig, and Judy Hernandez are the best team to lift up and protect working families in Parsippany,” said Campaign Manager, Elise McGovern.
Team Soriano is proud to have received the following endorsements from supporters throughout the state, including overwhelming labor union backing. Read the full list of endorsements below:
PARSIPPANY — The Community of St. Ann Church in Parsippany is hosting its tenth annual Fall Festival (formerly the Craft Fair) on Friday, November 12 from 5:000 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 13from 9:0 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
St. Ann’s has booked a number of new and repeat vendors, including Stitching Queens, Avon, and Pampered Chef who will be here along with numerous other vendors offering various handmade crafts. The fair will also include a Ministry Table, bake sale, Tricky Tray, and a 50 – 50.
St. Ann’s is located at 781 Smith Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054.
I previously endorsed Mayor Michael Soriano for reelection earlier this summer after my retirement. In 19 days, Parsippany voters will have the opportunity to reelect Michael Soriano to a second term, and I’d again like to express my support and admiration for his continued leadership in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
During my thirty years as a police officer in Parsippany, particularly three years as Chief of Police, Mayor Soriano exhibited the highest level of administrative leadership necessary for such a large and diverse community as Parsippany.
Immediately assessing from day one that the Police Department needed to be an Accredited agency with the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police, a Community Policing function and involvement at the Police Athletic League (PAL), police bodycam deployment, and completion of the Emergency Services Communication System upgrade, Mayor Soriano quickly got to work.
During his first term, despite the pandemic shutdown, Mayor Soriano impressively and effectively ensured those critical functions were initiated and completed. To date, the Community Policing function has thrived in all facets of the Township. The Emergency Services Communication System upgrade is complete. And police bodycam deployment and Accreditation are nearing completion. From Day one, Mayor Soriano immediately addressed the need for these crucial programs. I was proud to help lead their development working hand-in-hand with the Mayor.
With a near city-size population; a correspondingly large government and Emergency Services function; and a network of interstate, state, county, and local thoroughfare roadways intersecting the entire township, the highest level of administrative and managerial attention is critically important.
Mayor Soriano’s clear vision continued commitment, constant engagement with all department heads and community leaders exemplifies the leadership and attention Parsippany needs.
For those residents who have a more intimate knowledge of how municipal government operates, and what is required for it to succeed, they know politics have less of an influence on success. Rather, sustainable success comes from a realistic vision and committed hard work through the difficult times, all of which Mayor Soriano has provided and will continue to deliver.
Ranked one of the best municipalities in NJ, Parsippany is not immune from the pandemic and fiscal difficulties still being experienced throughout our country. Despite these significant challenges, Mayor Soriano has and continues to effectively lead Parsippany while remaining focused and committed to the real issues.
Whether national, state or local government, a second term is where the vision, hard work and continued commitment come to fruition and ultimate success.
Parsippany deserves the best and Mayor Michael Soriano will continue to deliver that success.
Respectfully, Andrew Miller PTHPD Chief of Police (Ret.)
PARSIPPANY — Democratic Candidate for New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy was a guest speaker on September 30 at the Parsippany Hilton during the “Meet The Candidate Speaker Series” sponsored by the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.
Governor Phil Murphy
Philip Murphy took the oath of office as New Jersey’s 56th governor on January 16, 2018. Under his leadership, New Jersey has made strides in creating and expanding economic opportunity while shrinking long-standing inequities, restoring fiscal responsibility, delivering real property tax relief, growing the state’s economy, and investing in its people. Murphy has guided New Jersey from being the epicenter of the national pandemic to a model state for restart and recovery with a focus on careful statewide and regional planning to protect residents and save lives. Murphy has built broad partnerships for aggressive COVID testing and vaccinations.
His administration has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in direct relief to small businesses, schools, tenants and landlords, and middle-class families. Governor Murphy has also made New Jersey a model state for social justice, signing legislation enacting among the country’s strongest automatic voter registration measures and restoring voting rights to residents on parole or probation, expunging the records of numerous nonviolent offenders, and creating the nation’s strongest provisions for environmental justice.
The Gubernatorial Speaker Series concludes with a Democratic candidate and incumbent, Governor Phil Murphy. Murphy discussed his platform and took questions from attendees.
Attendees listening to Governor Phil MurphyAttendees at Morris County Chamber of Commerce “Meet the Candidate Speaker Series”Dover Mayor Carolyn Blackman with Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael SorianoThe program
IBEW Local 102 sponsored the event. Since 1900, the members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 102 (IBEW Local 102) have served the communities of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Providing a skilled workforce of electricians is something we take pride in. It is our goal to ensure every job is on time and on budget.
For more information about the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, click here.
Usually, when political campaigns engage in underhanded tactics many of us sit back and watch without acting. However, a recent letter to the editor and the subsequent sharing of it by one of the Democratic candidates should be addressed. Cori Herbig and these actions should make all of us concerned for the future of politics in our community. Many of us have sat back and watched our town deteriorate beyond recognition due to the actions of this current administration and long desperately for change. We have seen our taxes increase, developments are negotiated, and a remarkable disregard for the employees of Town Hall. Ms. Herbig is running with Mayor Soriano to continue and support this abominable record of poor management, and what concerns me the most is the desperation in their campaign in preventing Justin Musella from winning.
Justin has been a staple of events in our community, making time and effort to attend every invitation made to him. While I believe we’re all community leaders, he has made it clear that he stands with the Indian American community without any reservations and has proven himself time and time again to be a reliable friend. He has shown that if elected, he will be a true ally to not only us, but all residents in this town regardless of their background or political affiliation. Herbig however, has made a name for herself attacking people on issues that she has little understanding of, including Soriano’s own former running mates. It truly is a shame that Herbig has decided she cannot run a campaign purely based on the issues, especially considering there are so many that affect residents daily.
Musella has made it clear, whoever wins the Mayor’s race in November would have to do what is in the best interests of the residents or face opposition from him. McCarthy and Peterson have set the standard for real representation and standing up for what they believe is right, even if it goes against the best interests of their party. Musella would continue this and prevent overreach from the executive. Herbig on the other hand would operate as an arm of Soriano and ultimately put the party first.
Let us put Herbig’s ugly and divisive campaign strategy behind us and hope that she and her running-mates come to their senses and run a respectful and engaging campaign without personal attacks.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano presented a proclamation to the family of the late Arthur W. Vespignani on Tuesday, October 5 at a council meeting.
Dr. Joseph Vespignani and his son SantinoThe plaque is hanging in Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Building
Vespignani began his 13-year service to the Township as an employee. He began his career in 1993 and was appointed as Director of Municipal Utilities in 1997 until his retirement in 2006.
He served his community as a member of the Township’s Board of Adjustment and having been elected to the Township Council, serving as President from 1980 – 1981.
Arthur was a dedicated public official, serving as an assistant counsel to the New Jersey General Assembly in the mid-70’s, and as President of the Parsippany Republican Club.
He was involved in community athletic programs for youth, serving for many years as a member of the Board of Directors for both the Parsippany Soccer Club and Par-Troy Little League East, and as coach and manager on all levels from minor league baseball to senior league all-stars, as well as travel team soccer.
Dr. Joseph Vespignani and Santino with Mayor Michael Soriano
MORRIS COUNTY — Longtime Morris County Republican leader and conservative small businessman Larry Casha has launched his campaign for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.
“It is time we stop accepting the unacceptable! I am tired of liberal politicians, like Mikie Sherrill and some weak Republicans propped up by special interests, that perpetuate a culture in Washington of accepting the unacceptable. Like everyone else, I have had enough of the riots in our streets, the lawlessness at our southern border, forced vaccinations, the cancel culture which attacks our Constitution, out-of-control spending, and the ever-growing federal debt.”
Casha continued, “I have been a leader amongst New Jersey conservatives for over twenty-five years. Mikie Sherrill and the radical California liberals who literally fund her campaigns so that they can put a nickel in her pocket every time they need a buck from New Jersey taxpayers are out of control. I am taking my activism to the next level and putting my name on the ballot to stop the madness. You can count on me to never back down.”
“If my lifelong neighbors in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District want a candidate who will run an aggressive campaign to win and a Congressman that will never forget where he came from, I am their guy,” said Casha.
New Jersey’s 11th congressional district is a suburban district in northern New Jersey. The district includes portions of Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex Counties; it is centered in Morris County. It is one of the ten most affluent congressional districts in the United States.
MORRIS COUNTY — It was a beautiful fall night at the River River Barn to celebrate Columbus Day and the candidacy for the re-election of Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, Deputy Director Deborah Smith, and Commissioner John Krickus.
Celebrating Columbus Day
The attendees included a guest list of Morris Counties Powerful Elected Officials and local voters showing their support for the candidates.
Jonathan Cohen, Esq.,; Jeffrey Paul, Director at Morris County Office of Emergency Management; Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi; and Boonton Ward 3 Council Member Joe BockMorris County Sheriff James Gannon and Senator Joe PennachioMorris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, Commissioner John Krickus, Deputy Director Deborah Smith, Senator Anthony Bucco, Jonathan Sym, and Senator Joe PennachioFlorham Park Mayor Mark Taylor and Rockaway Borough Mayor Thomas MulliganJonathan Cohen, Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, and CD11 Candidate Paul DeGrootLisa Chase LoBiondo; CD11 Candidate Paul DeGroot and Donald DinsmoreCristina Mirda with Morris County Commissioner Deborah SmithOlivia Cohen, Jonathan Cohen with Melissa Lynch
Deborah Smith joined the board on January 3, 2016, and she is now serving her second, three-year term. She served as Director last year and was elected by her peers on January 4, 2021, to lead the board as Commissioner Deputy Director for a new year.
She also is chair of the County Budget Committee and is a voting member of the Insurance Fund Commission, and is the liaison to the County Administration and Finance departments.
Previously, Commissioner Smith served on the Denville Council for 20 years, with two years as Council President and two years as the Council’s Planning Board Member. She also served on the Denville Zoning Board prior to her Council tenure.
Commissioner Smith has long served her community, volunteering for many community activities. She was the Township Council’s liaison to the Denville Public Library, senior citizens’ organizations, the local historical society, fire department, and many other groups.
While serving on the Denville Council she cast the key vote that prevented potential development and led to the eventual acquisition and preservation of 420 pristine acres of former Jersey City watershed land, a site now named Jonathan Woods.
A graduate of Long Island University in Brooklyn, N.Y. with a BS in Mathematics and a Masters in Counseling, she received a Certified Financial Planning degree from Adelphi University, completed a Certificate in Municipal Government from Rutgers, and participated in the CTW Excellence in Public Service Series.
Commissioner Smith had careers in market and media research with AC Nielsen and Simmons Market Research Bureau, worked in financial markets as a stockbroker and commodity broker, and was an advertising director for a New Jersey rehabilitation magazine, before starting a 25-year-career with Dun & Bradstreet as a Key Accounts Manager. In November 2014, Commissioner Smith retired from D&B.
Commissioner Smith resides in Denville with her husband Steven, a small business owner in Randolph.
Stephen H. Shaw is a lifelong resident of New Jersey and has lived in Morris County for more than five decades. He is serving his first term on the board and was elected by his peers on January 4, 2021, to be Commissioner Director for 2021.
He also chairs the county’s Capital Budget and Facilities Review Committee and the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee, which has been key to Morris County retaining its AAA financial rating throughout the pandemic. He is a voting member of the County College of Morris and Morris County School of Technology Boards of School Estimate, as well as liaison to the County Public Works.
Commissioner Shaw moved back to his hometown of Mountain Lakes 22 years ago and became active in public service, was elected to the borough council for 12 years, and was selected by his peers as mayor for three of those years.
He was a member of the Mountain Lakes Planning Board for seven years and was named “Mountain Lakes Police Citizen of the Year” in 2012. He also served his community as a leader of the Vestry of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Mountain Lakes.
Commissioner Shaw was a member and Vice-Chair of the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee, assisting in the preservation of the Giralda Farms Preserve at Loantaka Brook Reservation in Chatham Township with a $10 million Morris County Open Space grant.
Professionally, Commissioner Shaw owns and operates a small family contracting business and has been president of his local and state builder’s trade association.
He is a graduate of New Jersey Institute of Technology; Newark College of Engineering, with a BS in Civil Engineering; and in 2006 was named their “Outstanding Alumnus.” In addition, he is a licensed New Jersey real estate agent, a licensed private pilot, is married, and has two adult children and one grandchild.
John has served six years on the Morris County Board of Commissioners, during which time he did not vote for a tax increase and served on the budget committee which created the first 0 tax increase budgets in twenty years.
While holding the line on taxes other accomplishments include eliminating health benefits for Commissioners, doubling the miles of county roads repaved each year, providing the first increase in county aid to the County College of Morris, and sponsoring a change in the open space program which allowed for existing funding to go for trail development.
Prior to his term as Commissioner, John served as a committeeman in Washington Township, three of those years as Mayor. Key accomplishments include the third lowest municipal tax burden in the county and preservation of over 4,000 acres of farmland and open space.
John was born and raised in Madison, is a Marine Corps veteran, received a BA in economics from Drew University and an MBA from Lehigh University, and is a CPA. John has over 30 years of business experience as a product manager.
John and his wife Carolyn reside in Long Valley with their two daughters Kelly and Casey. Carolyn, Kelly, and Casey all are volunteer EMTs, and Carolyn currently serves as a captain for the Long Valley First Aid squad.
MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R-Morris, Essex, Passaic) has submitted legislation in Trenton that would stabilize water and sewage fees for senior citizens and the disabled.
The bill would amend current law to allow any county and municipal sewerage authorities, as well as water purveyors, to reduce or stabilize fees to users of the water or sewerage systems 65 years or older.
DeCroce said the bill help offset increasing property taxes in New Jersey.
“There are so many ways that the state and local governments reach into the pockets of homeowners and renters in New Jersey besides property taxes,” said DeCroce. “All those added taxes and fees add up and make New Jersey unaffordable for many, especially for retired people. The state legislature must begin addressing the hidden taxes and fees that no one talks about.”
DeCroce said stabilizing sewer and water fees would protect seniors and the disabled from escalating fees that she predicts will go demonstrably higher in coming years. “The history of New Jersey is steadily increasing user fees; rarely do we see fees going down,” added DeCroce.
The assemblywoman noted that with Congress poised to pass a $1.5 billion infrastructure package – sewer and water utilities will begin undertaking needed improvements to their systems. She said she fears that the costs not covered by federal funds will be passed on to ratepayers.
“The state cannot burden senior citizens living on fixed incomes with higher fees for essential services,” added DeCroce.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and VentureX recently hosted a “Wine and Cheese” Networking event for over fifty attendees.
The event was held at VentureX, 8 Campus Drive, Parsippany. Click here for more information.
Venture X Parsippany – 8 Campus Drive is a modern coworking space offering its members a community of like-minded business professionals. Our members include entrepreneurs, established businesses, startups, and small- to medium-sized businesses. With boutique hotel-style hospitality, you are going to love it here.
The modern designed space has high exposed ceilings with an industrial loft design and floor-to-ceiling windows. There is a large lounge area and café that is ideal for socially distanced collaboration and networking. The space is equipped with hi-tech meeting rooms, high-speed secure fiber internet, and more. Heating and AC units are fitted with UV light and Merv 13 filters for a safe supply of air.
Some of the unique features VentureX offers are:
CLEANING SERVICES. Keep yourself and your employees safe with our professional nightly cleaning services.
CAFÉ AND LOUNGE AREA. You’ll have access to our café and lounge area with snacks and drinks
24/7 KEYCARD ACCESS. Access your office or coworking space any time, any day.
FIBER INTERNET. High-speed wireless internet to serve you and your company.
“Our Parsippany – 8 Campus Drive Coworking Space is perfect for individuals who wish to work from a professional office space, and for companies that want an upgraded workspace. At Venture X, we pride ourselves on the atmosphere we’ve cultivated to empower professionals in our community. We can’t wait to meet you and be a part of your growth,” said Mahender Gorrai, Owner.
Mahender Gorrai, Owner. and Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce
For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce contact Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400.
PARSIPPANY — Transformare Bellezza, a local body sculpting clinic and medical spa will be donating 5% of all sales during the month of October to the Palma family. Owner, Danielle DeLuca will be personally matching the amount raised at the end of the month.
Danielle DeLuca
Transformare Bellezza is located at 739 Edwards Road, Suite A, Parsippany. For more information click here. For more information call (862) 283-8554.
On Sunday, September 19, 2021, Danny Palma, East Hanover, was in a horrific motorcycle accident on what should have been a beautiful day with his dad and fellow bikers. Dan was hit head-on by a truck and was airlifted to a Level 1 Trauma Center in New York where surgical teams worked on Dan for three grueling days.
Danny Palma of East Hanover is currently hospitalized at Westchester Medical Center after the crash and requires several surgeries, according to a GoFundMe launched by Susan Sodano Palma, who says Palma is a nephew. (Click here to donate to his GoFundMe page). At the time this article was published $32,615 has been raised.
“…Danny Palma was involved in a horrific, major motorcycle accident,” says Sodano. “For those of you that know Danny, he is one of the most hard-working, kindest, and funniest person you may know. Danny has always been so selfless and family-oriented so it’s hard to say, our family is heartbroken by this tragedy.”
Dan Palma is 25-years old, graduated from Montclair State University in 2018, and has lived in East Hanover his whole life. He owns and operates a successful business, P&D Auto Sales, located in Rockaway. In addition, Dan has worked alongside his dad at their family-owned business, Rockaway Service, which has been providing services to the community for 38 years. Dan has touched many lives with his generosity and kindness.
MORRIS COUNTY — Robert A. Zwigard is a life-long resident of New Jersey and currently resides in East Hanover was honored by JBWS during their Autumn Auction for Hope.
He is happily married to Dina Zwigard, who is a frontline responder, Respiratory Therapist at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston. Rob and Dina have two beautiful daughters Madison Anne, 16, and Morgan Celia, 13.
Rob is the son of Marlene and Robert Zwigard and the older brother to Bradley Zwigard. Rob attended East Hanover grammar schools and Seton Hall Preparatory High School in West Orange. Rob is a graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA.
Professionally, Zwigard has a career in the financial services industry and is currently a member of Beacon Wealth Management Group LP.
In the financial service industry, he specializes in Investment Planning, Employee Benefit, and Estate Planning, and he is Board Certified in Estate Planning, BCE.
Charitable work and giving back have always been a common theme in Rob’s life. Rob has served with the Knights of Setonia, the Italian American Club, and has mentored and tutored underprivileged youth.
Rob currently serves on the Board of the Seton Hall Prep Athletic Hall of Fame Committee and the Board of the Seton Hall Prep Football Gridiron Club. Rob also stays busy coaching his daughters’ youth sports teams and is a member of the East Hanover Italian American Club.
Over the past 15 years, Rob has been involved in many political campaigns providing management, advisement, and fundraising. The campaigns he has worked on include Brett Schundler for Governor, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, the Senate and Assembly campaigns for Anthony Bucco Sr. and Anthony Bucco Jr., Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and is currently involved with the Jack Ciattarelli for Governor campaign.
Rob was also proud to be involved with Sheriff Gannon and his successful statewide initiative, Hope One, which has spearheaded the fight against opioid and heroin abuse. During the height of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Rob, along with friends and Morris County residents, Christopher Mazzarella, Theodore Stanziale, Nicholas Kraus, and Justine Roche started the non-profit, Frontline Morris.
The group raised $100,000 in two months helping frontline responders and charitable organizations mostly throughout Morris County.
Rob reached out to JBWS in March of 2020 to see how Feeding the Frontline, through Frontline Morris might help survivors of domestic violence and their children. Through supporting local restaurants and helping small businesses keep their doors open through the pandemic, the restaurants provided meals for JBWS’ residential clients and staff.
During 2020, Rob provided Easter dinner, dessert, and Easter eggs, Mother’s Day dinner, flowers, and candy for JBWS’ residential families.
Rob was also the conduit for a donation of two Xbox gaming systems for JBWS’ residential children. Through Rob’s connections, Northpointe Bank provided financial support to JBWS to help with COVID-19 extraordinary expenses. Throughout 2021, Rob continues to provide meals for JBWS’ residential clients and staff through Feeding the Frontline.
He has also coordinated many in-kind donations of clothes, toys, and bikes for JBWS’ children’s program. He also ensured that Easter dinner was, once again, provided to JBWS’ residents. Rob, thank you for all you have done to serve JBWS clients!
MONTCLAIR — Vice President Kamala Harris came to New Jersey for a discussion on child care workers, and families on the Build Back Better Agenda’s bold investments in child care. By investing in child care, this plan will uplift working families, create jobs, and strengthen our future.
Her first public appearance of the day took place at the Ben Samuels Children’s Center at Montclair State University.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Sons of Italy Chapter 2561 was on hand with Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael A Soriano in raising the Italian Flag at the Township of Parsippany Municipal Building in commemoration of Italian Heritage Month and Columbus Day.
I was taken-aback and shocked to read an article being circulated engaging in ad campaign attacks against council candidate Justin Musella. I have known Justin for more than a year and he has endeared himself to every person in our community. Justin has been a staple of events hosted by the Indian American Community and has always been friendly and welcoming to the people he meets. I have had the pleasure of hosting him a couple of times this year, especially the event for July 4th where he joined our celebrations with his fiancée.
do not think that the article represents his beliefs accurately and hope that the readers will know the malafide intentions of the article in attacking him politically as they fear that he will easily win the elections due to his popularity and hard work. This type of desperation coming out of his opponent’s campaign is bright as daylight and should not be welcomed in our community. While I was considering a vote for one of the Democratic candidates, this is no longer the case. I request you to kindly publish this letter so that people will know that Justin Musella is a good man and will be an asset to Parsippany in the council.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s own Justin Musella has been named to Insider NJ’s Power List of Top 100 Millennials.
Musella was named #11 out of 100 prominent mover and shakers from all political parties.
According to the list, Musella is a rising star and a young Republican to watch.
Musella is running for one of the open seats on Parsippany’s Town Council. The November 2 election will decide a Mayor and two Council seats for the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
The young Parsippany Republican , a rising star, was the lone victor on his slate in the June primary, and has been barnstorming the battleground town as his council candidacy impresse insiders and observers. He has attracted attention from GOP heavyweights such as NJGOP Chairman Hugin and Assembly Minority Leader Bramnick, who have headlined fundraisers for the young candidate. A rising star, Musella is a young Republican to watch.
Dear Editor:
Dear Editor:
He is happily married to Dina Zwigard, who is a frontline responder, Respiratory Therapist at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston. Rob and Dina have two beautiful daughters Madison Anne, 16, and Morgan Celia, 13.
Musella was named #11 out of 100 prominent mover and shakers from all political parties.