PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Democratic Committee announced three local elected officials have filed to seek the office of Morris County Commissioner. The trio recently held a listening tour at the Parsippany IHOP.

The Democratic slate is:

• Bud Ravitz, a two-term Morris Township Committeeman and former Deputy Mayor
• Jonathan Sackett, a two-term Rockaway Township Councilman and former Council President and Vice President
• Justin Strickland, a newly elected Chatham Borough Councilman

“They are going to break through the logjam of Republican control, bringing new ideas to the table based on their practical experience governing in the community. It’s time to bring a new set of ideas and fresh thinking to the Board of County Commissioners,” said Morris County Democratic Chair Amalia Duarte.

A little about the candidates:

Justin Strickland, a newly elected Chatham Borough Councilman: After traveling all over the globe, I chose Morris County as my home, and I humbly represent the residents of Chatham on the Chatham Borough Council. I am a proud war veteran who served on Iraq’s front lines, earning a Bronze Star. As a civilian, I also served in the Pentagon and earned the Office of the Secretary of Defense Outstanding Achievement Award for my work in Afghanistan. I’m a seasoned manager across multiple Fortune 500 companies who is passionate about public service, sustainable economic development, historic preservation, and the untapped potential of Morris County.

Jonathan Sackett, a two-term Rockaway Township Councilman and former Council President and Vice President: As a father of four, small business owner, and lifelong resident of Morris County, I’m passionate about my community. I ran for County Commissioner last year, and I will win this year. My background in economics, finance, and accounting and my experience as a local business owner provide the understanding and real-life expertise to tackle fiscal and quality-of-life issues. I’m serving my second term on the Rockaway Township Council, serving as Council President and Vice President. 

Bud Ravitz, a two-term Morris Township Committeeman and former Deputy Mayor: I am a former Deputy Mayor, serving in my fourth year on the Morris Township Committee. I have made a visible and positive impact on the Township Committee during my tenure. I’m passionate about transparency in government and representing all my constituents fairly. I spearheaded two bipartisan pay-to-play legislation ordinances that were more strict than the legislation passed by the state of New Jersey. I have served on almost every Township Standing and Advisory Committee, including the Planning Board and Board of Health. I have been instrumental in prioritizing park and field renovations, smart growth, and environmental sustainability.

Focus Publications asked the candidates the following questions:

1. Overdevelopment is the big buzzword around town. People are upset about large projects being built without community input. How would you address this?

Concerns about overdevelopment in Morris County are valid and should be addressed with careful consideration. Overdevelopment is not a partisan issue because it impacts all residents. As Morris County Commissioners, we plan to ensure we have a County-wide Master Plan that sets all communities up for success. We believe true vision planning involves collaborating with key stakeholders, including residents and municipal governing bodies. We plan to bring municipal leaders together to create a dialogue that can ensure successful development where it’s needed and carefully evaluate development in areas where it could be detrimental. 

2. What we hear about in county government is a need for more transparency. We can see from this listening tour today that you are happy to engage with the community – but if elected, how would you continue to implement transparency and robust community engagement?

As Morris County Commissioner, we know that it’s essential to listen to the residents of Morris County. Listening means holding town halls, making yourself available, and meeting with folks in their communities. We will have regular meetings with representatives of all Morris County municipalities to share and collaborate on ideas and issues that will benefit both. We will also hold periodic town halls for county residents in various locations to highlight issues important to them.

Additionally, as county commissioners, we would work to establish a YouTube channel where all commissioner meetings are video-recorded for public use. 

3. The job of the Commissioner comes down to keeping our county running smoothly. But our current commissioners have weighed in on national issues like reproductive health and gun control – going as far as to make official proclamations on the county’s behalf. What are your thoughts on these actions in the role of commissioner?

The primary responsibility of a County Commissioner is to focus on policy that governs Morris County. There may be times when the County Commissioners need to weigh in on national issues, such as 9/11 or supporting the U.S. Armed Forces when deployed abroad. We believe County Commissioner proclamations should be focused on unifying Morris County and supporting folks who need our support. As Commissioners, we will work hard to represent all the county’s residents regardless of political affiliation.   

4. Most residents don’t understand where the Commissioners get money to use in their budget. Can you simply explain?

Each municipality pays a different percentage of property taxes to the county based on the county’s equalized tax assessment. The budget is $365 million per year. As commissioners, we would be active in the communities to ensure residents across Morris County know how their money is spent. In addition, the County applies for and receives state and federal grants for County projects.

PARSIPPANY — What could be better than a phenomenal day of golf at one of Morris County’s most beautiful courses, all for the benefit of multiple worthwhile causes that help support our community?

On Thursday, July 11th, Morris County Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 held their Annual Basil Ricci Memorial Annual Charity Golf Outing at the picturesque Knoll West Country Club in Parsippany. The course was filled as 144 golfers joined the Sons on what turned out to be a gorgeous day, nestled between several recent summer heat waves, with clear blue skies, temps in the mid-80s, and a mild refreshing breeze.

Not surprisingly, the outing sold out in a matter of days following the announcement. The highly anticipated annual event has become known as a spectacular event, featuring not only Parsippany’s premiere lush greens and well-maintained fairways but also breakfast, lunch, and a top-notch awards dinner, with enough prizes to line the walls of the banquet hall.     

Most importantly, remember that all the proceeds from any of the Sons of Italy charitable fundraisers throughout the year go directly back into the community through various local causes.  The Sons of Italy made up of concerned, community-minded members, is a non-profit organization that contributes thousands of dollars annually to worthwhile local charities and families, including but not limited to the Parsippany Food Pantry, High School Scholarships, the Valerie Fund, The Shelter for Battered Women, Alzheimer’s, and much more.

At 11:00 a.m., with numerous golf carts lined up, loaded with colorful golf bags, and ready to go, everyone was anxious to hit the links. Lodge 2561 Sons of Italy President Joe Jannarone Jr. welcomed the assembled golfers, and off they went to their designated locations for the shotgun start. The event featured a scramble format, with prizes for the best foursome score, longest drive (male and female), closest to the pin, etc. It was a hot day, so plenty of cool refreshments were readily available at several holes and roving refreshment carts throughout the game.

It was a memorable day filled with fun, energy, and camaraderie. The Sons of Italy would like to acknowledge and thank not only those who came out to play golf and support the organization’s mission but also those who offered their support through Gold, Silver, and Bronze hole sponsorships, prize sponsors, and other donations. If you would like to become one of our sponsors next year, please email BobWilhalme@gmail.com. The day was a huge success!

To learn more about the Morris County Sons of Italy Lodge 2562 and their upcoming events, visit their webpage at www.SOI2561.org or their Facebook page.

MORRIS COUNTY — Gubernatorial candidates Republican State Senator Jon Bramnick and Democrat former Senate President Steve Sweeney today released the following statement in response to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

“The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump this weekend is a stark reminder of the need for civility in our political discourse. Disagreement is a foundation of our cherished political system, but the current environment in which political opponents are treated as enemies breeds extremism and political violence. We condemn this weekend’s horrific events and urge all residents and elected leaders to treat each other with civility and respect.”

PARSIPPANY — Community Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with severe mental health diagnoses and homeless veterans and their families, has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Bank of America. This grant will enable Community Hope to continue providing essential services such as shelter, food, clothing, and medicine to those in need while promoting economic mobility in New Jersey.

• The need for essential services, especially shelter for unhoused veterans, increased significantly after the expiration of the CARES Act.
• Community Hope, founded in 1985, has provided housing and support services for nearly 40 years, including the 95-bed Hope for Veterans Program and the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program.
• The grant will help Community Hope meet current demands and prepare for future needs.
  
  Carmine V. Deo, CEO of Community Hope, said, “We are thrilled to receive this award from Bank of America. The Foundation’s generosity will allow us to continue providing essential services to some of New Jersey communities’ most at-risk and underserved members.” President of Bank of America New Jersey, Alberto Garofalo, said, “Access to safe and suitable housing is crucial for health, education, and employment opportunities. With partners like Community Hope, we can provide housing and necessary support services to individuals with mental illness and veterans.”

Community Hope provides housing and support services to thousands of veterans, veteran families, active military members, and people with mental illness each year. Since 1985, it has enabled thousands to recover from mental illness, homelessness, substance use, and poverty.

Bank of America is a global financial institution that provides banking, investing, asset management, and other financial services to individual consumers, businesses, and corporations. It serves approximately 69 million clients in the United States and operates in over 35 countries.

Community Hope is located at 959 Route 46 East, Suite 402, Parsippany.

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey High School Republican (NJHSREPS) Vice Chairman Chris Ilic recently met with Congressman Jeff Van Drew in Washington, D.C., to discuss legislative initiatives involving the NJHSREPS.

In a bipartisan effort, the New Jersey High School Republicans and New Jersey High School Democrats introduced the Involve Our Youth Act at the Trenton Statehouse. In January, this bill passed both the Assembly and Senate and was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy. The legislation aims to enhance youth civic participation across New Jersey, allowing students one excused absence per school year to attend civic events.

The New Jersey High School Republicans are developing another bill focused on youth military education, which they hope to introduce soon to the New Jersey Legislature.

Founded in January 2021, the New Jersey High School Republicans (NJHSREPS) serve as the official youth auxiliary of the NJGOP. Their mission is to unite and mobilize teens interested in political advocacy and making a difference. NJHSREPS has gained recognition for its public policy and campaign efforts throughout the state.

For more information, visit their website: www.njhsreps.org.

NJHSREPS is also set to host a Young Conservative Brunch on Friday, July 26th, at the Stage House Tavern in Somerset, featuring speakers such as Jack Ciattarelli and Bill Spadea.

PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, July 9, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio was at the scene of a horrific accident on Littleton Road, and was heartbroken over this tragedy where our community experienced the senseless loss of a child’s life due to a motor vehicle crash.  In the wake of recent fatalities on State and County roads here in Parsippany, I am calling for action from the NJDOT to increase pedestrian safety and respond with a fix on their streets.  I’m asking for the county’s help and commitment to slow down vehicles and reduce the overall risk to our residents and visitors on their roads.

I have spoken with Chief Pantina to implement aggressive action to slow cars down on
Parsippany roads and to be relentless in enforcing the laws to save lives and protect our
community. Safety cannot take a back seat. The Parsippany Police Department will immediately begin expanded enforcement against drivers who fail to recognize the importance of pedestrians and bicyclists on our streets. I have spoken with our Engineering department to prioritize pedestrians alongside cars for all ongoing and future road projects. Instead of just focusing on pavement condition and paving the street in kind, they will layer in safety improvements for all resurfacing projects.

I am truly saddened by the unnecessary loss of a community member last night, and my heart goes out to his family.

This article was written by Mayor James Barberio.

MORRIS COUNTY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced the launch of the application process for students from New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District seeking to be nominated for a U.S. military service academy this coming year.

“I am so proud of the men and women from my district considering careers in military service. As a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, I know our nation’s service academies provide world-class academics and leadership training that is second to none. There is no better place than one of the U.S. military academies for New Jersey students interested in a career as a military officer,” said Rep. Sherrill.

The application process for a Service Academy nomination is currently open and the deadline to submit your application is October 24, 2024. 

The nomination application is open to high school seniors applying to the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, as well as college students looking to transfer into one of the Academies. Students seeking an appointment to one of these institutions must receive a nomination to be appointed to attend. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination.

The Congresswoman can only offer a limited number of nominations yearly, and the nomination process is highly competitive. Furthermore, only a fraction of nominated students ultimately receive an appointment to attend an Academy.  

Due to the high number of qualified applicants, the Congresswoman has a competitive application process that considers the academic, athletic, extracurricular activities, and community involvement of candidates who apply. In addition, every candidate is interviewed by Congresswoman Sherrill’s Academy Nomination Board, which consists of Academy alumni, military veterans, and civic leaders from the community.

Click here for more information and to complete an application.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Rep. Sherrill’s office at (973) 526-5668 or email the NJ-11 Academy Nomination Coordinator at willy.tolba@mail.house.gov.

MORRIS COUNTY — Justin Strickland, Democratic candidate for Morris County Commissioner, announces the endorsement of VoteVets – the largest progressive group of veterans in America.

Strickland is a combat war veteran who served on the front lines in Iraq, earning a Bronze Star. As a civilian, he also served in the Pentagon and earned the Office of the Secretary of Defense Outstanding Achievement Award for his work in Afghanistan.

“Thank you so much to Vote Vets for the endorsement – it means so much to me to have the support of an organization that shares my values, especially on the issues that impact troops, veterans, and their families here in Morris County,” Strickland says.

After decades of a one-party Morris County Board of Commissioners, Strickland, Jonathan Sackett, and Bud Ravitz are ready to revitalize the county with a focus on your voice: the voices that have been asking for a new strategy to combat overdevelopment and better government transparency. 

This team of experienced elected officials will always show up for the community. They’ll prioritize community engagement, always seeking to save taxpayer dollars with an eye toward shared services. They know how to make improvements for more livable communities – they’ve done it in their towns and can do it for the whole county. 

To learn more, click here.