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Juliana Eoga Collected Cards and Letters for “Healthcare Heroes”

Frank L. Cahill
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Juliana Eoga Collected Cards and Letters for “Healthcare Heroes”

MORRIS COUNTY — In honor of her “Quarantine Sweet 16” Juliana Eoga, a full-time student at the Sports Medicine and Exercise Science Academy at the Morris County School of Technology, Denville, collected cards and letters for the “Healthcare Hero” staff members at The NJ Fireman’s Home in Boonton and Care One of Hanover, one NJ’s few full COVID-19 facilities.

Throughout the month of May, Juliana received over 250 cards from 10 states across the USA. She chose to honor the workers at these two facilities because both are very special to her.

Also, in honor of Juliana’s special birthday, Rev. Karen Gazzillo of Kinnelon sent cookies and copies of The Fireman’s Prayer to the Newark Fire Department.

The Fireman’s Prayer

Juliana is a Captain of the Boonton High School Varsity Cheer Team, a volunteer for Night to Shine, a Time to Care Volunteer with the VNA of Northern NJ (during COVID-19), and a junior volunteer member of the Boonton Kiwanis Ambulance.

Juliana is the daughter of Michael and Adriane Eoga, sister of Jenna Eoga and granddaughter of Theresa and Jack Selesky and Rita and Tony Eoga.

Juliana Eoga

Lacey Ann Anderson Graduates Pre-K; Moving Up to Knollwood School

Frank L. Cahill
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Lacey Ann Anderson Graduates Pre-K; Moving Up to Knollwood School

PARSIPPANY — Lacey Ann Anderson graduated from Learning Garden Academy and will be attending Knollwood School in September. Today she celebrated with a drive-by Pre-K Graduation COVID-19 celebration.

Lacey is the daughter of Paul and Elise Caitlin Anderson.

The Anderson Family

GAF and Interfaith Food Pantry Partners Held Drive-Thru Farmers Market

Frank L. Cahill
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GAF and Interfaith Food Pantry Partners Held Drive-Thru Farmers Market

PARSIPPANY — GAF, who recently partnered up with Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry (IFP) held a drive-thru farmers market at their headquarters in Parsippany on Friday, June 12. The drive-thru farmers market was open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

GAF Proudly Supports Interfaith Food Pantry

After suspending its free farmers’ markets during the onset of COVID-19 due to lack of space the Interfaith Food Pantry (IFP), which serves Morris County partnered with GAF to provide fresh produce for more than 500 households by creating a drive-thru farmers market.

Tim Lockwood, Vice President Interfaith Food Pantry and Morris County Freeholder Steve Shaw

North America’s largest roofing manufacturer transformed its Parsippany campus into a community assembly line where volunteers placed groceries and fresh produce directly into the trunks of IFP clients’ vehicles to maintain safe social distancing.

Andy Hilton, Chief Communications Officer GAF; Carolyn Lake, Executive Director of Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry and Jim Schnepper, President of GAF

Carolyn Lake, Executive Director of the Interfaith Food Pantry said “Finding a new and creative way to reopen our free farmers market will help fight hunger and improve the health and well-being of thousands of people across Morris County. Thank you to all of our supporters and to GAF for helping provide a safe environment that helps restore a sense of normalcy for our clients.”

“We’re happy we could help put our space to good use and support our neighbors through the Interfaith Food Pantry of Morris County. Fighting hunger continues to be a challenging issue affecting many homes across the U.S., especially amid the ongoing pandemic, and we’re glad we could help re-establish this service to provide fresh produce to people in need of healthy food options,” said Jim Schnepper, President of GAF.

Volunteer bringing in cases of produce for families in need

IFP has already distributed more than 500,000 pounds of food this year, serving 8,000 families. The number of new families requesting assistance from the Interfaith Food Pantry has increased by 300% from the same period last year. Increased awareness and support of the free farmers market can make a significant impact in restoring a sense of normalcy for hundreds of households.

The Interfaith Food Pantry is the largest provider of supplemental and emergency food in Morris County. As a non-profit, 501(c)(3) community-based organization, they provide food, nutrition education, and related resources to residents during times of need. The organization distributed over 1.2 million pounds of food in 2019, serving over 33,000 people, primarily low-income working families and senior citizens living on fixed incomes.  For more information click here. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call (973) 538-8049, ext. 210.

The large-scale, free drive-thru farmers market for households in need of healthy, fresh produce- complete with rows of tents and a refrigerated box truck to store perishables
Nearly 500 families benefited from the first free drive-thru farmers market hosted by the Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry in partnership with GAF, North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer
The large-scale, free drive-thru farmers market for households in need of healthy, fresh produce- complete with rows of tents and a refrigerated box truck to store perishables

More homes and businesses in the U.S. are protected by a GAF roof than by any other product. We are the leading roofing manufacturer in North America, and as a Standard Industries company, GAF is part of the largest roofing and waterproofing business in the world. For more than 130 years, people have trusted GAF to protect what matters most in their daily lives.

Today, GAF has more than 3,700 employees working in over 25 communities across the U.S. GAF’s focus on Protecting What Matters Most includes an ongoing commitment to strengthening the communities where it operates by bringing together its time, talents and financial resources to work hand-in-hand with its employees, local leaders, and non-profit organizations. The company’s proactive community engagement efforts focus on powering the potential of these shared communities. For more information about GAF click here.

GAF President, Jim Schnepper, packs fresh produce for families during a free drive-thru farmers market held in partnership with the Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry at the roofing manufacturer’s headquarters. Photo by Jason DeCrow /AP Images for GAF
The large-scale, free drive-thru farmers market for households in need of healthy, fresh produce- complete with rows of tents and a refrigerated box truck to store perishables
Families in need receive produce from the first free drive-thru farmers market hosted by the Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry in partnership with GAF at the roofing manufacturer’s headquarters

Supreme Court Approves Post-Pandemic Plan

Frank L. Cahill
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Supreme Court Approves Post-Pandemic Plan

TRENTON — Chief Justice Stuart Rabner and the Supreme Court have approved a plan for the gradual resumption of certain in-person court events, as recommended by the New Jersey Courts Post-Pandemic Planning committees.

The plan outlines the precautions being implemented before court buildings are opened for any in-person proceedings in any court.

While criminal jury trials will remain suspended, the following criminal matters may, consistent with Supreme Court guidance, be handled in person:

• Completion of suspended jury trials with the consent of all attorneys and parties and approval of the Chief Justice
• Sentencings
• Guilty pleas
• Final Extreme Risk Protective Order (ERPO) hearings where there is no consent to proceed remotely
• Violation of monitoring
• Violation of probation for defendants in custody

The precautions also include requirements for the public and judiciary employees to wear masks in non-private areas and to maintain social distancing. Members of the public should not come to court unless they have been notified that a matter has been scheduled.

Letter to the Editor: Political Hype The Don’t Tax “Me” cry..For a Few Dollars more.

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

From a recent letter by Riddhi Shah, Mayor Soriano is set to increase our taxes in a record amount of over 6%. Really?

During election time, Mr. Soriano criticized other administrations for taking money from the sewer and water surplus in order to balance the budget. But, as I along with other members from our temple read the budget, Mr. Soriano is no different from the previous administrations that he was so vocal against.

When all else fails in issues that really count in situations we face as a society; we turn to what is best for me; instead of all of us. We must however begin with the very system itself with its built-in unfairness especially in the realm of taxation; for example, corporate offshore havens and laws that allow wealth to go proportionately less taxed; than wages for example. Allowing material acquisition and money hoarding for its own sake, possession of money beyond reason instead of organizing it for necessary things, like required infrastructure or a new energy conversion; and green new jobs; sponsored by yes; government.

When the powers now controlling DC fail to give to the States of the United States, and rather use our tax dollars for foreign corporate interventions to extract others wealth and destroy indigenous cultures or undermine their governments which would resist this, we see the system for what it is, an abuse of power of wants, not needs.

Perhaps Mister Shah should start a movement to have his temple and all so-called religious institutions to join the tax collective, and make their fair share to the common; or better yet the common good. We face a system of injustice, lacking in civic virtue. A nation can not be based on individual freedoms and privileges for the few against the many. What good is religious freedom; when economic equity or justice is lacking?

Mr. Shah; you must not have read Councilwoman Janice McCarthy’s rebuttal and letter to the editor printed in June; or is it she is from an opposing political party?

It’s not an exaggeration to ask how the town recovers an estimated $9M of its operating revenue that was replaced with utility surplus without raising taxes, fees, or cutting expenses.

Also misleading were statements made suggesting increased ratables impacted revenue to support a zero tax increase.  While increasing ratables $27million was an accomplishment, it was significantly insufficient to budget a zero tax increase. If it was it shouldn’t have been necessary to supplement revenue with $3.2million in utility surplus that year.

Finally after praising the benefits of aggressively using the utility surplus to balance the budget for 6 years, now apparently in 2018 and 2019, it is no longer good policy. Encouraging the town to take steps to more aggressively reduce taking surplus.

I assume is made with the understanding the greater the reduction in using utility surpluses means replacing those funds from other sources like taxes, fees, and/or cutting expenses. If there is some other source to replace the reductions in the utility surplus please enlighten me.

Municipal finances are complicated and making broad statements are both misleading and often inaccurate as they were last week.

One more thing, it was also misleading to use Mayor Letts budgeting a zero tax once in 11 years to support depleting millions in utility surplus to supplement millions in revenue. It’s a mischaracterization of Mayor Letts’ record.”

Lastly consider this fact the last administration incurred unjust and fabricated legal bills Ingelsino Law Firm in the Carifi matter. This same law firm allowed a grassroots successful endeavor to be sabotaged; Waterview. RD developers walked away with $3.7M in local open space funding for a buffer zone. Ingelsino Law Firm is now refusing to pay portions of this legal fee which is incurred on Parsippany taxpayers.

The last tax municipal tax proposal to pay outright for need water infrastructure would cost the “average homeowners” $3.46 (thereabouts). It was refused in addition 11-jobs were lost. When we see the collective impact of what we can do if we stick together as a community; you’re talking coffee money.

Lastly consider this; our sanitation tipping fees because of lack of source separation of materials in now nearly $2M. We are all dragged down by those who do not practice discipline. Is this fair to those in the community that does? So Parsippany accepts the impacts of corporate franchise waste products; with little voice from sources like Mr. Shah; or others mentioned in his letter.

Nick Homyak
Lake Hiawatha NJ 07034

Grewal Outlines Process for Revising New Jersey’s Use of Force Policy

Frank L. Cahill
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Grewal Outlines Process for Revising New Jersey’s Use of Force Policy

MORRIS COUNTY — Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal outlined plans for revising New Jersey’s “Use of Force Policy,” which governs when the state’s 36,000 law enforcement officers may—and may not—use force against civilians. As part of that process, Attorney General Grewal announced that his office has launched an online portal for public comments and will be organizing community listening sessions in all 21 counties.

On June 2, 2020, Attorney General Grewal first announced his intention to revise the Use of Force Policy, the first update in two decades. The initiative is part of the Attorney General’s Excellence in Policing Initiative, a sweeping set of policing reforms launched in December 2019 to promote the culture of professionalism, accountability, and transparency that is the hallmark of New Jersey’s best law enforcement agencies.

“The Use of Force Policy affects everyone, and so everyone should have the opportunity to weigh in on its revisions,” said Attorney General Grewal. “We want to hear from a broad cross-section of our state: police officers, civil rights advocates, religious leaders, victims’ rights organizations, and community members. We especially want to hear from those that have had negative experiences with law enforcement officers because we are committed to getting this right. By engaging residents across New Jersey, we will ensure that the updated policy reflects New Jersey’s values.”

The public comment portal, available by clicking here, will accept submissions through August 1, 2020. The portal allows residents to submit comments about any aspect of the Use of Force Policy, but specifically requests input on topics that will be discussed as part of the revision process, including:

Specific tactics designed to subdue a subject (e.g., chokeholds, neck restraints, strikes to the head and face, use of police dogs);

  • Engaging subjects with serious mental illness or substance abuse issues;
  • Exhausting all other reasonable means (e.g., verbal warnings) and pursuing de-escalation before resorting to deadly force;
  • Applying force proportionate to the subject’s alleged conduct (e.g., limiting the use of force when the subject has committed a non-violent offense);
  • Less-than-lethal uses of force (e.g., bean bag shots, rubber bullets, disabling netting);
  • Duty to intervene when another officer engages in excessive use of force;
  • Firing a weapon at a moving vehicle;
  • High-speed car pursuits;
  • Reporting and training requirements; and<
  • Any other proposals that reduce the risk of injury and death to civilians while maintaining the safety of police officers.

In addition to the online portal, the revision process will include community listening sessions in all 21 counties. Each of New Jersey’s County Prosecutors will host an in-person or virtual event to obtain the public’s view on police use of force, and these views will be shared with the Attorney General as part of the revision process.

To kick off these statewide listening sessions, Attorney General Grewal will host an online forum on June 24, 2020, to discuss New Jersey’s current Use of Force Policy and describe some of the revisions under consideration. The Attorney General will be joined by Jonathan Parham, who previously served as the Chief of the Linden Police Department and now serves as the Director of Countywide Police Policy, Planning, and Training at the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. Attendees can register for the online event here.

Unlike in other states, where policing reform often occurs in a patchwork fashion at the local level, in New Jersey, the Attorney General has broad authority to issue statewide policy documents known as “law enforcement directives,” which are binding on all law enforcement agencies and all 36,000 state, county, and local law enforcement officers. In recent years, Attorney General Grewal has used this authority to issue a number of significant directives, including the:

  • Independent Prosecutor Directive (AG Directive 2019-4), which established a ten-step process for conducting independent investigations of officer-involved shootings and other serious use-of-force incidents;
  • Officer Resiliency Directive (AG Directive 2019-1), which created a first-in-the-nation statewide program to promote the psychological and mental resiliency of law enforcement officers; and
  • Internal Affairs Directive (AG Directive 2019-5), which overhauled the internal disciplinary process for police departments;
  • Immigrant Trust Directive (AG Directive 2018-6), which limited the types of voluntary assistance that state, county, and local law enforcement officers may provide to federal civil immigration authorities.
  • LGBTQ Equality Directive (AG Directive 2019-3), which established rules for law enforcement interactions with transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals;

Each of these directives was drafted in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders.

Attorney General Grewal has stated that he intends to issue a law enforcement directive revising the Use of Force Policy before the end of 2020.

Murphy Should Follow the Examples of Fuentes and Corzine for Breaking His Own Rules

Frank L. Cahill
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Murphy Should Follow the Examples of Fuentes and Corzine for Breaking His Own Rules

PARSIPPANY — Assemblyman Jay Webber is imploring Governor Phil Murphy to uphold the precedent of prior state leaders who have violated the law and demanded they be held accountable for their actions.

“Colonel Fuentes and Governor Corzine not only acknowledged their wrongdoing, but they also held themselves accountable by insisting on citations and punishments,” said Webber (R-Morris).  “And then each made sure the public was aware of their taking responsibility because it was the right thing to do and they knew their continued legal and moral authority as law enforcement officers depended on it.  In contrast, Governor Murphy has placed himself above and beyond his own law, sabotaging his own moral authority.  Is it any wonder then that desperate people of all political stripes in places like Asbury Park and Wayne, with more sure to come, decide to defy the Governor’s orders?”

In 2010, a New Jersey state trooper stopped the unmarked police cruiser driven by Col. Rick Fuentes, then the superintendent of N.J. State Police, after the trooper, clocked the cruiser at 75 mph in a 65 mph zone on the Garden State Parkway.  The trooper decided not to give his superior a citation.  Within hours, Fuentes self-reported his violation to the Office of Professional Standards, which issued him a citation and reprimand.

In 2007, former Gov. Jon Corzine was seriously injured in an accident on the Garden State Parkway while failing to wear his seat belt.  After recovering, Corzine met with the State Police superintendent and the attorney general and demanded a summons for his illegality.  The State Police superintendent cited him on the spot, and a State Police captain noted that “It’s been a good amount of time since the superintendent issued a summons.”

Morris County Names New County Planning Director

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Names New County Planning Director

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County has appointed Joseph Barilla as the new Morris County Planning Director, to manage all aspects of the county’s Office of Planning and Preservation.

A 14-year veteran of county government, Barilla will supervise all of the county’s preservation programs — open space, historic, and farmland — plus the county’s flood mitigation and recreational trail construction programs.

In addition, he also will oversee the activities of the Morris County Planning Board and the Long Range and Development Review Section of the Office of Planning & Preservation.

A native of Parsippany, Barilla started his educational journey at County College of Morris, where he received an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences, and then moved on to Rutgers University’s Cook College where he was awarded a degree in Environmental Planning and Design, plus a certificate in Urban Planning.

Barilla joined the county government in 2006, starting as a senior planner in the Development Review Section, and has worked his way up to planning director. He replaced Christine Marion, who recently retired from county government after 38 years.

Joe has a long history of community service, as a life member of the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department, and now as current chief of the Manville Fire Department in Somerset County.

“It is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of Christine Marion, who did such an outstanding job for the county. I look forward to continuing to have our office provide excellent service to the residents of Morris County,” said Barilla.

For more information on the county Office of Planning and Preservation click here.

Parsippany Community Update June 12, 2020

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Community Update June 12, 2020

PARSIPPANY — One of the most despicable scams to come out of this pandemic has been the sale of fake N95 respirator masks. If you have knowledge of any PPE fraud, please contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or email disaster@leo.gov.

24 Hour Fitness Closes Clubs as Pandemic Threatens the Fitness Industry

Frank L. Cahill
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24 Hour Fitness Closes Clubs as Pandemic Threatens the Fitness Industry

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Gym Chain 24 Hour Fitness announced that it will close over 100 clubs nationwide, including Hanover Township, as it repositions itself amid coronavirus health and safety restrictions that have proven difficult for the fitness industry.

24 Hour Fitness Worldwide has nearly four million members in its 440 clubs in 14 states; it also laid off an undisclosed number of employees in multiple states via phone call Wednesday, according to The Wall Street Journal.

24 Hour Fitness, 24 Sylvan Way, didn’t even make it to celebrate its one year anniversary. They held a special VIP opening event on Thursday, June 27, 2019. Although a listing shows that the Whippany location is temporarily closed until June 29, 2020, it was reported moving trucks were already removing equipment. An undisclosed source stated they will be moved out by Saturday, June 13.

Some of the equipment at 24 Hour Fitness Hanover

When arriving at the location the doors were locked and there was a UHaul truck parked.

In addition to the Whippany Super Sport, the following locations in New Jersey are also closing: Piscataway Super Sport; Saddle Brook Sport; Wayne Towne Center Super Sport; Woodbridge Township SS and Hasbrouck Heights Super Sport.

Their indoor pool was a favorite of many members

The San Ramon, California based gym chain’s decision to shutter locations comes a year after installing a new CEO, who the company hoped would drive aggressive growth.

“These are painful decisions and we do not take them lightly,” 24 Hour Fitness CEO Tony Ueber said in a statement. “We thank our dedicated, passionate team members for their contributions and impact they have had on helping to change lives every day through fitness.”

Three Parsippany Drug Companies Execs Fixed Medication Prices

Frank L. Cahill
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Three Parsippany Drug Companies Execs Fixed Medication Prices

PARSIPPANY — Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that New Jersey and a coalition of other states have filed a lawsuit accusing 26 drug companies of conspiring to artificially inflate the prices of 80 topical generic drugs in violation of federal and state antitrust and consumer protection laws.

Topical drug products are administered by contact – most often with an external body surface. They may include creams, gels, lotions, ointments, shampoos, and solutions.

In addition to the corporate defendants, the complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Connecticut today also names ten individual defendants – drug company executives responsible for sales, marketing, pricing, and operations – who were allegedly involved in the conspiracy.

More than half of the corporate defendants named in the lawsuit are based in New Jersey. Five of the 10 drug company executives named as defendants reside in New Jersey as well.

“The price of many prescription drugs is too high. And our investigations have shown that the high prices for many generic drugs stem from illegal collusion among drug companies and executives,” said Attorney General Grewal. “I’m troubled to see New Jersey companies play such a big role in this outrageous conduct. As I’ve said before, New Jersey’s pharmaceutical industry is the envy of the world. But we can’t turn a blind eye when New Jersey businesses violate our laws and harm our residents just because they are headquartered here.”

In addition to New Jersey, 46 other states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and several U.S. territories are party to the federal lawsuit.

This is the third time in four years that New Jersey has participated in a multi-state lawsuit alleging anticompetitive conduct in the generic drug industry.

The first lawsuit, which was filed in December 2016 and which New Jersey joined in early 2017, remains pending in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The case includes 18 corporate defendants and two individual defendants and involves 15 generic drugs.

The second lawsuit was filed in May 2019 in U.S. District Court in Connecticut. It was subsequently transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, where it remains pending. The second lawsuit accused 20 generic drug companies of conspiring to artificially inflate the prices of more than 100 generic drugs. The products at issue include oral antibiotics, blood thinners, cancer drugs, contraceptives, anti-inflammatory drugs, statins, anti-depressants, medications used to treat HIV, blood pressure medications, and many more.

The complaint filed today alleges that at least from 2009 through early 2016 – and peaking in 2013-2014 – collusion was “rampant” among manufacturers of generic topical drugs.

Sales and pricing executives at generic topical drug companies knew each other well and used their business and personal relationships to collude in restricting competition, allocating customers among themselves, and significantly raising prices on dozens of generic topical drug products, according to the complaint.

The complaint alleges that four of the nation’s largest generic drug manufacturing companies – Taro Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., Perrigo New York, Inc., Sandoz Inc. (formerly Fougera) and Actavis – led the way with long-standing, collusive agreements to follow each other’s price increases and not compete for each other’s customers.

The 22 other defendant companies named in this lawsuit allegedly “understood the rules of the road” and played the same anti-competitive game.

According to the complaint, the scheme involving topical drugs is part of a broader pattern of anticompetitive conduct that has “permeated every segment” of the generic drug industry for many years, with the goal of avoiding competition that “would normally result in lower prices and greater savings to the ultimate consumer.”

Rather than enter a particular generic drug market by competing on price in order to gain market share, the complaint asserts, companies in the generic drug industry colluded with each other in setting aside a “fair share” of the market for each. This in turn stifled price competition and maintained artificially higher drug prices.

The 80 generic topical drugs referenced in the complaint include a host of commonly-prescribed medications including the local anesthetic lidocaine ointment, the anti-fungal cream clotrimazole 1%, the oral paste triamcinolone (used to treat sores of the mouth) and latanoprost drops, which are used to treat pressure inside the eye caused by glaucoma and other eye diseases.

Collectively, customers of the generic drug manufacturers purchase a vast range of generic topical products in enormous volumes. The profits generated by the drug companies’ alleged conspiracy are significant.

In order to maintain their unlawful agreements, the complaint alleges, executives for the participating drug companies kept in near-constant communication.

Regular telephone and text message conversations were one method for comparing notes and reinforcing their price-fixing arrangements, as were face-to-face conversations at regular industry trade shows, golf outings, posh industry dinners, and conferences.

According to the complaint, high-level executives from many generic drug manufacturers would get together for regular “industry dinners” where they could celebrate – and reaffirm – their commitment to collusive customer allocation and price-fixing tactics.

For example, in January 2014 – when the prices of numerous generic drugs were reportedly soaring – at least 13 high-ranking executives gathered at a steakhouse in Bridgewater. The gathering of CEOs, Presidents, and Senior Vice Presidents of many generic drug manufacturers included executives from defendant companies Actavis, Aurobindo, Lannett, and Perrigo.

A group e-mail discussion of the event quoted in the states’ complaint provides a window into the high living that typically accompanied such outings.

One executive asks if his and his colleague’s meals at the steakhouse will be paid for by a rival executive’s company. The rival executive responds: “It’s amazing how many in the group like 18-year-old single malt scotch when they aren’t buying.”

According to the complaint, the investigating states issued more than 300 subpoenas to various telephone companies, obtaining phone call and text message reports for companies and individuals as part of the investigation.

The states also obtained valuable cooperation from numerous former executives for the defendant companies, the complaint states, including one who kept a two-volume “little black book” of notes chronicling his various collusive dealings with generic drug industry colleagues between 2009 and 2015.

The lawsuit filed today alleges violations of the Sherman Act, a federal antitrust law, as well as violations of numerous state laws, including New Jersey’s Antitrust Act and Consumer Fraud Act. The lawsuit seeks monetary relief and actions by the court to restore competition to the generic topical medications market.

Corporate defendants named in today’s lawsuit include the following, with New Jersey-based companies in bold.

  • Actavis Holdco US, Inc., Parsippany
  • Actavis Pharma, Inc., Parsippany
  • Wockhardt USA LLC, Parsippany
  • Actavis Elizabeth LLC, Elizabeth
  • Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bridgewater
  • Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Bridgewater
  • Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc., Dayton
  • Bausch Health Americas, Inc., Bridgewater
  • Bausch Health US LLC, Bridgewater
  • Fougera Pharmaceuticals Inc., Melville, NY
  • Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., Mahwah
  • Greenstone LLC, North Peapack
  • G&W Laboratories, Inc., South Plainfield
  • Lannett Company, Inc., Philadelphia, PA
  • Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Baltimore, MD
  • Mallinckrodt Inc., Webster Groves, MO
  • Mallinckrodt plc, Staines-Upon-Thames, Surrey, UK
  • Mallincrockdt, LLC, Hazelwood, MO
  • Mylan, Inc., Canonsburg, PA
  • Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., Morgantown, WV
  • Perrigo New York, Inc., Bronx, NY
  • Pfizer, Inc., New York, NY
  • Sandoz, Inc., Princeton
  • Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc., Cranbury
  • Taro Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., Hawthorne, NY
  • Teligent, Inc., Buena

Individual defendants named in the complaint include the following, with New Jersey residents in bold:

    1. Ara Aprahamian, Bardonia, NY – Director of Pricing and Contracts at
      Actavis from August 2010 through March 2013; and Vice President of Sales
      and Marketing at Taro Pharmaceuticals from March 2013 to August 2018.
    2. Mitchell Blashinsky, Monroe Township – Vice President of Marketing for Generics at Taro from January 2007 through May 2012; and Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals from June 2012 through March 2014.
    3. Douglas Boothe, Chester – Chief Executive Officer at Actavis from August 2008 through December 2012; and Executive Vice President and General Manager, Pharmaceuticals at Perrigo New York from January 2013 through July 2016.
    4. James (Jim) Grauso, Ramsey, NJ – Vice President of Sales and Marketing at G & W Laboratories from January 2010 through December 2011; Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations at Aurobindo Pharma from December 2011 through January 2014; and Executive Vice President, N.A. Commercial Operations at Glenmark since February 2014.
    5. Walt Kaczmarek, Longboat Key, FL – Senior Director, National Accounts/Vice President, National Accounts/Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations at Fougera from November 2004 through November 2012; and Vice President-General Manager/President Multi-Source Pharmaceuticals at Mallinckrodt from November 2013 through August 2016.
    6. Armando Kellum, Huntington Valley, PA – Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Sandoz.
    7. Kurt Orlofski, Mountain Lakes – President of G&W from September 2009 through December 2016.
    8. Michael Perfetto, Conklin, NY – Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Actavis from August 2003 through January 2013; and Chief Commercial Officer at Taro since January 2013.
    9. Erica Vogel-Baylor, Milford – Vice President, Sales and Marketing at G&W since July 2011.
    10. John Wesolowski, Delton, MI – Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at Perrigo since February 2004.

Assistant Attorney General Brian F. McDonough and Deputy Attorney General Robert Holup of the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group are handling the matter on behalf of the State.

Survey Finds Business Owners Eager to Reopen, but Concerned about Consumer Confidence

Frank L. Cahill
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Survey Finds Business Owners Eager to Reopen, but Concerned about Consumer Confidence

TRENTON – The Administration of Governor Phil Murphy released results of an online survey conducted in conjunction with Rutgers University’s Heldrich Center for Workforce Development earlier this month that drew responses from nearly 4,000 businesses and non-profits across the state.

Results of the survey demonstrate overwhelmingly that while the business and non-profit community is eager to get back to work, owners understand and take seriously the public health risks posed by COVID-19 and the responsibility to provide a safe experience for employees and customers. Many worry about the effect of a possible second wave of the virus.

“This survey verified much of what we anticipated as we began the process of restarting the economy,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “While business owners are eager to get back to work and get their operations back up and running, they remain concerned about consumer and employee confidence and are eager to avoid a second wave of this insidious virus.”

A majority of owners (51%) cited consumer confidence as the most pressing issue, while 13% cited access to personal protective equipment as their biggest concern. Approximately one in 10 said employee confidence would present the biggest challenge to reopening while four in 10 listed employee confidence as one obstacle but not the most pressing one.

Respondents want state government help to reopen safely, particularly guidance on reopening restrictions (60%), guidance on safety measures to keep employees and customers safe (49%), and help in acquiring disinfecting and cleaning products (42%). The majority of respondents (54%) will rely on state/local government and Department of Health guidelines—greater than those who will rely on Centers for Disease Control (23%) and industry and association guidelines (14%).

Customer-facing businesses report that limiting occupancy or reducing capacity of their facilities will be the most difficult challenge.

Other findings from the survey include:
A large majority of business and non-profit owners plan to change their business operations to achieve social distancing, including seven in 10 (70%) who indicate they will re-configure their workplace footprint.

Some businesses (35%) have expanded remote work options in response to the pandemic or are considering it in order to reduce the number of employees at work.

Eight in 10 (79%) businesses in customer-facing industries will require employees to wear facemasks, whether or not the government requires them, and will also provide employees with facemasks to wear while in the workplace (79%).

Seven in 10 (72%) customer-facing businesses will require customers/visitors to wear facemasks, whether or not the government requires them, and four in 10 (40%) of businesses plan to provide them.

Seven in 10 (68%) are concerned with their ability to pay their rent, mortgage, or utilities. Another five in 10 say paying their employees (48%) and paying taxes (47%) are major challenges that their organizations are facing.

“As we make our way through the recovery of our economy, we continue to be mindful of the businesses we know are hurting,” Governor Murphy said. “As our numbers continue to move in the right direction, we will continue to restart our economy in phases while offering financial aid to as many businesses as possible. Together we will emerge from this unprecedented moment in history stronger and more resilient.”

The roughly 4,000 responses from business and non-profit owners or decision makers, collected between May 21st and June 3rd, mirror the New Jersey business community in size and industry composition. Most respondents have less than 10 employees, and most have been in operation for at least 10 years. Half of respondents are from woman- or minority-owned businesses. The survey was conducted in both English and Spanish.

Respondents are evenly distributed across North, Central, and South Jersey and businesses vary across New Jersey sectors. The survey included a non-probability, opt-in sample of respondents and was distributed via dozens of New Jersey industry groups, chambers of commerce, and non-profit organizations.

For the full survey results click here.

Parsippany Community Update June 11, 2020

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Community Update June 11, 2020
PARSIPPANY — This Monday, Restaurants will be allowed to open for outdoor dining. We’ve been scrambling to expedite the process for these restaurants who may not already have dining areas. We’ll also be waiving the fees for these permits. We’re working around the clock to accelerate their re-opening. If you own a restaurant looking to open up outdoor dining, please contact Director Jennifer Vealey at (973) 263-4287 or jvealey@parsippany.net to get the process going.

Adopt Rory – One Year Old Pit Bull Mix

Frank L. Cahill
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Adopt Rory – One Year Old Pit Bull Mix

PARSIPPANY — Rory is a one-year old Pit Bull mix who is sixty pounds of pure love! This sweetheart will become your instant best friend through her affection and loyalty!

Rory

She is a happy-go-lucky girl who always wears a smile on her face. She can instantly make anyone’s day better by covering them in kisses!

Rory loves to be out and about. Whether it’s going on long walks, hikes, or a stroll downtown, Rory will happily tag along! She does need an active household that can provide her with this exercise.

She would benefit greatly from a fenced in yard so she can run around and entertain you with her “zoomies”. Rory would LOVE a male doggy companion to romp around and wrestle with!

After a busy day, she will cuddle up right next to you on the couch and take a long nap. She will likely roll on her back as a way to ask for belly rubs!

Rory is house trained and knows basic commands “sit”, “down” and “wait”. She is being crate trained and walks well on a leash.

Since Rory is young and spent majority of her life in a shelter, she needs a home that will work on correcting some of her puppy behaviors. She responds wonderfully to correction but needs structure to teach her some basic manners! Because of this, she would do best with kids 13+.

Rory has an abundance of love to give. All this girl needs is a family to give it to! Will she be your new best friend?

If you are interested in adopting Rory, please fill out an application by clicking here.

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Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Agenda Meeting – June 9, 2020

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Agenda Meeting – June 9, 2020

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Agenda Meeting – June 9, 2020

Click here to download the agenda.

Parsippany High School Senior Virtual Awards Night

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany High School Senior Virtual Awards Night

PARSIPPANY —

Murphy Signs Executive Orders Lifting Limits on Indoor and Outdoor Gatherings, Opening Pools Opening Additional Outdoor Recreational Businesses

Frank L. Cahill
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Murphy Signs Executive Orders Lifting Limits on Indoor and Outdoor Gatherings, Opening Pools Opening Additional Outdoor Recreational Businesses

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed two executive orders 1) raising limits on outdoor and indoor gatherings and 2) opening pools effective June 22 and additional outdoor recreational businesses effective immediately.

“With more of our businesses reopening, we are no longer requiring New Jerseyans to stay at home, but we are asking you to continue to be responsible and safe,” said Governor Murphy. “These actions will put us even more firmly on our Road Back and complement the steps we’ve already taken to begin our restart and recovery.”

Under Executive Order No. 152, effective immediately, indoor gatherings are limited to 25 percent of the capacity of the room, but regardless of the room’s capacity, such limit shall never be less than 10 or more than 50 people. All attendees at the gathering must wear face coverings, unless for a medical reason or if the individual is under 2 years old, individuals must remain six feet apart at all times, and physical items may not be shared by multiple attendees of the same gathering unless sanitized before and after uses.

Outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people, and attendees are required to be six feet apart. Individuals should wear face coverings at all times where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, and individuals who are in vehicles shall not count towards the gathering limit.

Nothing in the Order shall prevent a person at a gathering from momentarily removing their mask to place or receive an item in their mouth, if done for religious purposes, or for health and safety.

Additionally, available parking at State Parks and Forests, and at county and municipal parks, may reopen to their full maximum capacity.

Under Executive Order No. 153, outdoor swimming pools can open effective at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, June 22, provided that it complies with standards and policies that will be issued by the Department of Health. Pool facilities may open for the purpose of lifeguard training and lifeguard swimming lessons prior to June 22.

Additionally, outdoor recreational and entertainment businesses are permitted to reopen immediately, with the exception of amusement parks, water parks, and arcades. These recreational and entertainment businesses are required to abide by a number of social distancing protocols that are specified in the Order. Any type of event at an outdoor recreational or entertainment business that involves individuals there at a specific time for a common reason, such as a movie or concert, are subject to the restrictions on outdoor gatherings.

Public and private social clubs are permitted to reopen their outdoor spaces, provided they comply with all applicable terms of the Order. And nothing in the Order prevents a business from operating an amusement game outdoors, such as a game on a boardwalk, so long as the game does not take place in an amusement park and an employee is present and adheres to all of the requirements in Paragraph 1 of this Order, including sanitizing all equipment before and after each use.

Paragraph 2 of Executive Order No. 107, which requires New Jersey residents to remain home with limited exceptions, is formally rescinded. The other provisions of that Order, including the requirement that businesses or non-profits accommodate their workforce for telework or work-from-home arrangements, wherever practicable, are still in effect.

Preschool Advantage welcomes Kyle Colwell to Board of Trustees

Frank L. Cahill
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Preschool Advantage welcomes Kyle Colwell to Board of Trustees

MORRIS COUNTY — Preschool Advantage, a Morristown-based non-profit organization, has appointed Kyle Colwell to the Board of Trustees.

Colwell is a financial advisor at Private Advisor Group and a registered principal with LPL Financial, a company focused on developing and implementing customized wealth management strategies for clients.

Colwell is thrilled to join the Preschool Advantage Board and commented, “The organization’s mission and work are so important because of their far-reaching impact on children, their families and their communities, far beyond the preschool years.I believe that the fundamental solution to so many problems in our world is a better education. By providing access to quality education for those who need it most, at the very beginning of their educational journey, Preschool Advantage seeks to prepare these children for a bright future.”

Colwell earned a BA in History from the University of Vermont. He and his wife Emily live in Morristown. In his spare time Colwell enjoys skiing and is an avid fly-fisherman.

Preschool Advantage, a non-profit organization founded in 1995, provides families with financial assistance for early education and has funded over 1,500 tuitions in its 25-year history. We place children in one of our 28 established partner schools that offer high quality early education. To learn more about Preschool Advantage call (973) 532-2501 or click here.

Sherrill Announces Winners In Virtual Congressional Art Competition

Frank L. Cahill
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Sherrill Announces Winners In Virtual Congressional Art Competition

PARSIPPANY — Representative Sherrill (NJ-11) announced the winners of her second annual Congressional Art Competition for high school students in the 11th District. The competition took place virtually this year and showcases high school students’ creativity and artistic expression. Submissions were reviewed by Michele Marinelli, Curator of the Guinness Collection at the Morris Museum, and Ira Wagner, Interim Director of the Montclair Art Museum.

“I’m so impressed by the submissions we received, the artistic talents of our NJ-11 students, and their adaptability during these challenging times,” said Representative Sherrill. “I’d like to thank all of the students for submitting amazing work, our art teachers for their support of our young artists, and our judges Michele Marinelli and Ira Wagner for bringing their expertise to this competition. I look forward to having Kate’s piece hanging up in the U.S. Capitol and to feature student artwork in my district and DC offices for the community to enjoy when we fully reopen. Congratulations to Kate, Lindsey, and Sofia.”

The following students earned distinction for their pieces:

  • First Place: Kate Terhune, Mountain Lakes High School, “Nighttime Allure”
  • Second Place: Lindsey Mei Alvarez, Morris Catholic High School, “Mind”
  • Third Place: Sofia Rodriguez, Morris County School of Technology, “The Hallway”

FIRST PLACE: Kate Terhune, Mountain Lakes High School, “Nighttime Allure.”

 SECOND PLACE: Lindsey Mei Alvarez, Morris Catholic High School, “Mind.”

THIRD PLACE: Sofia Rodriguez, Morris County School of Technology, “The Hallway.”

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their Representative’s office, and panels of judges select the winning entries.

Pennacchio/Oroho Seeking to Curtail Governor’s Powers with Constitutional Amendment

Frank L. Cahill
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Pennacchio/Oroho Seeking to Curtail Governor’s Powers with Constitutional Amendment

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy, who announced he was lifting the months-long stay-at-home order, has utilized his pen and executive orders to circumvent the elected Legislature and avoid public scrutiny during his time in office. He plans to sign another executive order raising limits on the size of indoor and outdoor gatherings in the state.

Pennacchio and Oroho this week introduced a resolution (SCR-117) proposing a state constitutional amendment that would rein in gubernatorial powers.

“Murphy’s affinity for unilateral edicts has been on prominent display during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Pennacchio (R-26). “He’s been indiscriminately signing executive orders, acting more like an emperor without any accountability. This resolution would give the power back to the people with a vote on an amendment to the state constitution placing restrictions on executive authority.”

The proposed amendment would provide that certain emergency orders, rules or regulations issued by a governor during a state of emergency will terminate on the 15th day after issuance unless the Legislature approves an extension. This will force the governor to work with the Legislature.

“This will restore the balance of power intended in the New Jersey Constitution and the transparency state residents deserve,” Pennacchio said. “Neither this governor nor any governor should be allowed to indefinitely dictate matters of statewide importance independent of the Legislature, a co-equal branch of government elected by the people.”

During his daily briefing, Murphy announced an increase in the limit for outdoor gatherings to 100 people, with plans to go to 250 later in June, and 500 on July 3.

“The Governor reacted because the people have had enough,” said Senator Oroho (R-24). “The prolonged situation has been wearing thin on residents and businesses, and more reason is finally taking hold. But it’s clear we need to reform the policy process. This resolution will bring balanced governance in times of crisis, and provide appropriate checks and balances as envisioned in our State Constitution.

“No one person should ever have absolute authority when it involves individuals’ rights as protected in our Constitution. It took months to get the governor to change course. It shouldn’t have to be that way. The Legislature should have a defined role for governing the state jointly in emergency situations.”

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Parsippany Focus is a digital news organization that provides news coverage of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The organization was founded in 1989 by Frank Cahill, who currently owns and operates the organization. Parsippany Focus covers local news, events, and community issues, and their content is primarily distributed through their website and social media channels. The organization has been serving as a trusted source of news and information for the Parsippany-Troy Hills community for over 30 years.

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