DOVER — The morning after securing the GOP nomination, Jack Ciattarelli swiftly hit the trail—starting in the heart of Morris County, at bustling Colombian bakery, Rico Pan Bakery, in Dover. This visit wasn’t random: Dover is a solidly Democratic town where roughly 75% of residents are Latino, making it a symbolic and strategic choice to reach out to a community that could swing the November election.

Accompanied by local Republican leaders and campaign aides, Ciattarelli greeted early patrons warmly, sharing coffee and pastries while outlining his message: “We’re here on day one, focused on kitchen‑table issues—property taxes, public safety, and opportunity for all families.” The intimate setting allowed him to emphasize that his campaign is not just for Republicans but also for independents and moderate Democrats.

His visit had more profound political significance: it showcased an intentional outreach to Hispanic voters who, in the 2024 presidential election, showed increasing support for Trump-backed candidates in North Jersey. Ciattarelli’s stop in Dover aligns with broader GOP efforts to flip traditionally Democratic-leaning constituencies.

PARSIPPANY — For many families, early childhood education is about trust, care, and the kind of nurturing environment that sets the foundation for a lifetime of learning. For the new owners of The Goddard School in Parsippany, that mission is deeply personal—and powered by their own experience as parents.

With two young children enrolled at the school—an 18-month-old and a four-year-old—the owners bring a parent’s eye to every decision. “Our biggest motivation was our own children,” they shared. “We wanted to create the kind of school we would want for them: safe, warm, and truly focused on helping each child grow.”

Taking over The Goddard School of Parsippany, located at 311 Smith Rd, wasn’t just a business opportunity—it was a heartfelt commitment to their community. Since stepping into leadership, they’ve embarked on a full-scale transformation of the space. From newly renovated classrooms and upgraded flooring to a secure access control system and advanced surveillance, safety and quality have been top priorities.

They’ve also embraced innovation, integrating smart boards in classrooms to foster interactive learning. The Kaymbu platform now provides parents with daily digital updates and photos, creating a transparent and connected school experience.

The school’s leadership has also prioritized professional development for educators, emphasizing classroom consistency, strong transitions, and meaningful communication with families.

Looking ahead, the owners envision steady growth while preserving the school’s hallmark of personalized attention. “We’re working to make The Goddard School of Parsippany a model early childhood center—one that’s warm, inclusive, and always focused on what’s best for the children,” they explained.

What truly sets this Goddard School apart is its blend of a well-rounded curriculum, passionate teaching staff, and a family-first philosophy. “We’re creating a consistent, loving environment where children feel secure and inspired to learn,” they said. “And we believe our focus on emotional development alongside academics helps children thrive far beyond their early years.”

The response from the Parsippany community has been overwhelmingly positive. Local leaders, families, and businesses have extended a warm welcome. “Parents are excited by the changes they’re seeing,” they added. “It’s incredibly rewarding to build a school community that we’re part of as both parents and owners.”

To Parsippany families, the message is simple: “Thank you. Your trust means the world to us. We’re honored to be a part of your children’s journey and committed to offering the safe, nurturing, and high-quality education they deserve.”

Dear Editor:

So what good was the lawsuit that Barberio mentioned?

From a news article, Lawsuit
The mayor’s newsletter a few weeks ago

This is a critical step forward for the Township and a great result in combating the special interests of big developers. Accordingly, the Decision and Order fixes the Township’s “present need” obligation at 138 affordable housing units and its “prospective need” at 496 affordable housing units, which represents a 57-unit reduction in the DCA calculation of 553 affordable housing units.
* Note: Makes no mention of redevelopment.

The buildout number does not include what can be developed as redevelopment. A buildout looks at the maximum number that can be built on available land, considering the zoning (municipal, or Highlands, whatever the case), taking out the environmentally or otherwise constrained land. Redevelopment can’t be considered because it first has to be figured out whether it is commercial, residential, or mixed use, and the density will be. None of these variables can be known before a redevelopment is proposed because an aspect of redevelopment is getting flexibility from the underlying zoning.

Because Parsippany is overdeveloped and needs redevelopment, we have made ourselves an outlier and are subject to corporate real estate property rights. This is where the corporate tax rateable chase has led Parsippany. Now, we hear PILOT deals for rich developers while our taxes, water, and sewer rates increase.

We lost the opportunity to save some of our environmentally sensitive areas during Barberio/Inglesino’s previous reign, when the Housing COAH was suspended under Governor Christie. Inglesino stopped our Highlands Conformance, which began in 2009, ending it completely in June 2014. Landscapes like Waterview, 700 Mountain Way, and Intrusions into Forge Pond surely affected our Groundwater Recharge and neighborhood character.

We were not in good hands.

Nicholas Homyak

PARSIPPANY — Congratulations to Mayor Barberio, Councilman Neglia, and Jigar Shah on winning the Republican primary. We’re looking forward to a conversation about the future of Parsippany, a conversation that respects the voters and taxpayers of this community. That conversation starts today.

The choice in this election is clear.

One ticket offers more of the same: nearly two decades of political control by the same insiders, the same tax hikes, and the same giveaways to developers we’ve seen again and again:

• Sweetheart deals for the politically connected.
• A town hall consumed by personal feuds and political vendettas.
• Taxes up 25% in just 4 years, including this year’s proposed increase.
• Corporate tax breaks (PILOTs) that leave our schools and students holding the bag.

These problems fall directly at the feet of the Mayor, and they cost you money.
We know that Parsippany’s record is better than the Mayor’s. But we will never solve the problems of tax hikes, overdevelopment, and transparency in Parsippany if we reelect a three-term Mayor who has not and will not change. That’s why we’re running. We’re as fed up with your mismanagement and lack of transparency.

• Pulkit Desai is a Marine Corps veteran and cybersecurity professional who has delivered absolute transparency and accountability. As President of the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association (LPPOA), he leads one of the largest lake communities in New Jersey, serving over 2,200 homes. That means he helps represent and support a community of thousands of residents on a volunteer basis. He has demonstrated executive leadership, cutting waste, publishing every dollar of spending online, and implementing open “Ask Me Anything” sessions for residents. Managing a team of 17 board members, 100% volunteers, Pulkit knows how to roll up his sleeves and build a consensus for the betterment of the community.

• Matt Kavanagh is a Navy veteran, an Annapolis graduate, and a weapons system engineer. Today, he is a clean-energy engineer who helped secure $22,000 in sustainability funding for Parsippany as Chair of our town’s Green Team. He has served as an executive with multiple renewable energy companies and brings a results-driven approach to every project he leads.

• Diya Patel is a Parsippany-Troy Hills School District graduate and a Pace University JD candidate. Currently working in the District Attorney’s office for Bronx County, she’s part of the next generation of Parsippany natives to call this town home long-term. She is running to make Parsippany a more affordable place to live.

We’re not politicians. We’re working professionals who listen and bring people together to solve problems and achieve win-win outcomes for the residents of Parsippany.

This week, we’re releasing our first three commonsense commitments to the people of Parsippany:

1. Audit the books. Since Mayor Barberio started his third term in 2022, taxes have risen 25%. In the prior four years, taxes had risen 18%, significantly less for taxpayers. We will hire an independent auditor to determine why this increase occurred and why residents have not seen a similar increase in public services.

2. Transparency in public works. Residents want to know when their street is being worked on, and for how long. We will implement a system that does so, and maintain the schedule publicly. We’ll then expand this system to improve transparency and communication with residents in general.

3. Fully fund and support our schools. The Board of Education raised its taxes, and never had school finances threatened until the Mayor’s PILOT deals. Our schools are about our kids, not the politics of whoever serves on the school board. We won’t dodge accountability by inventing a problem with our schools. We’ll work with our schools to ensure our kids are safe and thriving.

In the months ahead, you won’t just hear what’s wrong. We want to talk about what’s possible. We’ll be in your neighborhoods, at your events, and on your doorstep listening. We want our town to prosper by focusing on solutions that actually improve residents’ lives.

To every resident, no matter your party or your past vote:

We ask you to judge us by our records, by our ideas, and by our conduct. We’ve had enough dividers. We’re here to deliver.

Under new leadership,

— Pulkit Desai, Matt Kavanagh, and Diya Patel
New Leadership for Parsippany

MORRIS COUNTY — 24 students from the state’s 11th Congressional District have either been appointed to U.S. service academies or will attend one of the service academy preparatory schools or preparatory programs.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11, honored them all in a brief ceremony in Bloomfield on Monday, May 26.

The 22 students set to attend the different service academies are:

 • Leila Galarza of Parsippany, Military Academy;

• Jessica Bao of Chatham, Naval Academy;

• Trisha Patel of Denville, Naval Academy;

• Noah Rega of Madison, Naval Academy;

• Connor Ross of Morris Plains, Naval Academy;

• Lavanya Shenoy of Morris Plains, Military Academy;

Ezekiel Ehrenberg of Randolph, Air Force Academy;

• Isabella Sun of Roseland, Air Force Academy;

• Devan Patel of Madison, Air Force Academy;

• Malia Nugent of Morristown, Air Force Academy;

• Daniel Lee of Livingston, Military Academy;

• Troy Dibble of Montclair, Naval Academy;

• Alberto Grossetti of Nutley, Naval Academy;

• Lincoln Hedberg of Montclair, Naval Academy;

• Margaret Hedberg of Montclair, Naval Academy;

• Alexandra Richard of Bloomfield, Naval Academy;

• Yael Ben-Adi of Maplewood, Military Academy;

• Max Coey of Maplewood, Military Academy;

• Enzo Gurijala of Millburn, Military Academy;

• Ian Kim of Wayne, Military Academy;

• Dhir Patel of Wayne, Military Academy; and

• Andrew Zhang of Millburn, Military Academy.

Two students will attend service academy preparatory schools or programs in the coming year. Kyle Ramos of Wayne will attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School, and John Bettenbender of Glen Ridge will attend the Air Force Falcon Foundation Scholarship program.

The Merchant Marine Academy allows congressional representatives to nominate candidates anywhere in the state. Sherrill nominated Enois Maceira Crespo of Middlesex for this honor.

PARSIPPANY — Clayton “CJ” Bernauer, a graduate of the Parsippany High School Class of 2021, graduated from the prestigious United States Military Academy, commonly known as West Point.

Bernauer joins an eclectic network of alumni—colloquially known as The Long Gray Line—including former President Dwight D. Eisenhower and moon-acquainted astronaut Buzz Aldrin. As a magna cum laude graduate of the United States’ top military academy, Bernauer belongs to a class of approximately 1,000 rigorously trained cadets, selectively chosen from an applicant pool of over 10,000. This year’s graduation ceremony, like many before it, was attended by a plethora of noteworthy guests, including current President Donald Trump, who delivered the academy’s commencement speech. Bernauer was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant Officer by his honorable cousin, Captain Rebecca Morel, who graduated from West Point four years earlier in 2021.

Joining the many government officials and top-ranked military executives who were at the May 24th ceremony was Parsippany-Troy Hills Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Denis Mulroony, the former principal of Parsippany High School. “When we heard CJ Bernauer would be attending West Point, we were thrilled but not necessarily surprised,” Dr. Mulroony told the Parsippany Focus. He describes Bernauer as a “high-character leader” who “challenged himself through high school, treating people with respect and doing the right thing.”

In Parsippany, Bernauer was nothing short of a superb student in and out of the classroom. A well-rounded athlete and academic, Bernauer helped found the Parsippany High School Math Club, served as treasurer for the school’s student council, and, most prominently, swam competitively for Parsippany High School’s and Lakeland Hills YMCA’s swim team. Following his successful high school career, Bernauer was recruited as a Division I swimming athlete at West Point. He eventually became captain of the team and led it to several major victories—including a historic win over the Naval Academy, their first in more than twenty-two years. And just as his swimming career at West Point came to a close, Bernauer chose to keep his athletic path open, joining the triathlon team as a versatile athlete within the school’s athletic division. Agile and earnest, Bernauer’s contributions to athletics have bolstered both Parsippany’s and West Point’s athletic reputations.

Just as he’s made impressive strides in athletics, Bernauer continues to set his sights firmly on the future. A civil engineering major, he helped plan, develop, and construct a 34-foot steel bridge as part of his year-long senior capstone project. The bridge, built over the picturesque forests of Harriman State Park, is just a thirty-minute drive from the bustling urban landscape of New York City and an integral part of the Appalachian Trail. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to honor Bernauer’s capstone accomplishments just a few days before he graduated from West Point.

Looking ahead to the next phases of his military officer training, Bernauer will join the 101st Airborne Division—otherwise known as the Screaming Eagles—a highly specialized infantry division focused on air assault operations. The infantry, befitting its name, is one of the most distinguished in American military history and has played a pivotal role in several major wartime operations, including D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. After completing an intensive leadership training program in Georgia, Bernauer intends to represent his country faithfully through service in the renowned airborne division.

As his number-one cheerleader since day one, there is no one prouder of Bernauer’s accomplishments than his parents, Stacey and John. Mrs. Bernauer tells the Parsippany Focus that Clayton has grown into a “wonderful young man” with a strong “code of ethics,” and most importantly, that throughout all of his industrious and exhaustive training, he has thoroughly “enjoyed it.” As a firmly committed individual, Clayton Bernauer seeks to honor not only his community but his nation as a whole—and most would agree he’s become a source of pride for the Parsippany community.

PARSIPPANY — A wave of enthusiasm and commitment swept through Parsippany on Sunday, June 1, as BAPS Charities hosted its annual “Spirit of Service: Walk-Run.” With 400+ participants stepping forward to support Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital and Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute, the event underscored the power of unity in making a lasting impact.

Spanning over 100 cities across North America, the BAPS Charities Walk-Run embodies a mission that goes beyond fitness. It champions causes including education, health, environmental stewardship, humanitarian relief, and support for local first responders. This year’s BAPS Charities Walk-Run in Parsippany reinforced the organization’s commitment to serving communities locally and globally.

The event was not just about taking strides for a cause—it was about building a stronger, more compassionate society. Participants of all ages, from youth to seniors, came together to show their support for Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital and Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute and its mission to “ deliver the highest standard of cardiovascular care in the region, utilizing advanced technology, expertise, and research to improve patient outcomes”.

Reflecting on the event’s significance, MS. Jigisha Kothari of Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital shared, “Events like BAPS Charities walkathon help do 100s of cancer screenings and free treatment to deserving patients.”

Dr. Dhaval Shah, a guest speaker, remarked, “Diet and exercise are equally important for cardiovascular health.”

For over 20 years, BAPS Charities has been dedicated to serving communities through health, education, humanitarian relief, environmental preservation, and community empowerment. In North America, it has organized over 1,000 Walk-Runs, 500 health fairs, and 500 blood donation drives, benefiting thousands.

Beyond the Walk-Run, BAPS Charities actively provides aid globally, supporting wildfire relief in Los Angeles, responding to hurricanes Milton and Helene, and assisting thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Through its “Spirit of Service” campaign, it leads food drives, toy drives, and health awareness initiatives. Globally, it has planted over 2 million trees and built 55 schools in disaster-hit regions. Committed to service and unity, BAPS Charities continues to make a lasting impact.

Participants expressed enthusiasm for the Walk-Run, with 6th grader Vihaan Patel stating, “I raised awareness by talking to students at school lunch who convinced their parents to participate in a noble cause”. Another 11-year-old participant, Nandini Bhatt, stated, “I spread awareness and raised funds by talking to teachers and friends and explaining about how raising money helps people with cancer.”

Event lead Jalpesh Thaker extended gratitude to all involved, saying, “Thank you all for doing an amazing job to raise donations for the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center and the Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute. In addition, thank you to everyone in the audience and the volunteers who have done their part for this walkathon and for your generous contributions in making the 2025 BAPS Walkathon a remarkable event yet again. This walk is driven by the belief that “In the Joy of Others, Lies Our Own.”

As another successful Walk-Run concluded, the event reaffirmed the impact of collective action in fostering change. With every step taken, BAPS Charities inspires service-minded individuals, ensuring that compassion and community engagement remain at the heart of its mission.

For more information on the local activities of BAPS Charities, click here.

PARSIPPANY — The results are in for the Parsippany Republican primary for two open Township Council seats, and the unofficial vote totals highlight two clear frontrunners:

With the top two finishers advancing, Frank Neglia and Jigar Shah have secured their spots on the Republican ticket for the November General Election. All results were from the Morris County Elections website.

PARSIPPANY — Incumbent Mayor James R. Barberio has won the Republican nomination for Mayor in the June 10 Primary Election, defeating Councilman Justin Musella in a closely watched contest.

Barberio received 3,115 votes, accounting for 55.42% of the Republican turnout, while Musella garnered 2,497 votes, or 44.42%, according to unofficial results from the Morris County Clerk’s Office.

Barberio, who previously served two terms as mayor and returned to office in 2022, will now face Democrat Pulkit Desai in the General Election this November. Desai ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and received 3,172 votes, or 97.96%.

The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5.

PARSIPPANY — Thomas Colantoni proudly cast his vote for the first time at Central Middle School! He’s pictured with Mayor Jamie Barberio, who stopped by the polling site to greet voters.

PARSIPPANY — The 2025 Primary Election is today, Tuesday, June 10. Voters in Parsippany‑Troy Hills will select their party’s nominees for the following local offices: Mayor and two Township Council seats. Additionally, they will vote in the primary for statewide offices, including governor, county commissioner, sheriff, and General Assembly seats.

Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Republican Primary

Two candidates are competing for the Republican nomination for mayor:

• Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills James Barberio is seeking re-election to a four-year term. He served as mayor from 2010 to 2018, lost re-election in 2017 to Democrat Michael Soriano, then returned in 2021 to reclaim the office. His campaign emphasizes economic revitalization, shared services, and outreach to residents and local businesses. Mayor Barberio is running with Council Vice President Frank Neglia and Economic Development Committee member Jigar Shah.
• Parsippany Councilman Justin Musella, elected in 2021, is making his first bid for mayor. Musella, a financial technology professional, has consistently voted against tax increases and advocates for greater government transparency. His running mates are council candidates John Bielen and Casey Parikh.

Mayor James Barberio and Councilman Justin Musella have often disagreed on major issues, including the annual municipal budget, Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements, and transparency in town governance.

Democratic Primary

On the Democratic side, Pulkit Desai is running unopposed for the mayoral nomination. A Lake Parsippany resident for 25 years, Desai is a former United States Marine who works in cybersecurity. He will run in the General Election with council candidates Matt Kavanagh and Diya Patel.

Where and How to Vote in Parsippany

Voters should consult their sample ballots to determine their voting district. Polling locations by district are listed below:

• Brooklawn Middle School, 250 Beachwood Road — Districts 1, 4, 11, 13, 39
• Board of Education Building, 292 Parsippany Road — Districts 15, 16, 19
• Central Middle School, 1620 Route 46 West — Districts 22, 23
• Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha — Districts 29, 32
• East Lake School, 40 Eba Road — Districts 14, 17
• Powder Mill Fire House, 60 South Powder Mill Road, Morris Plains — District 2
• Intervale Elementary School, 60 Pitt Road, Boonton — Districts 3, 8, 18
• Lake Hiawatha Library, 68 Nokomis Avenue — Districts 33, 34
• Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, 1 Lincoln Avenue — Districts 30, 31, 38
• Lake Parsippany Fire House, 255 Halsey Road — Districts 10, 12
• Littleton School, 51 Brooklawn Drive, Morris Plains — Districts 6, 7, 9, 37
• Mount Tabor Firehouse – Simpson Station, Simpson Avenue, Mount Tabor — District 5
• Northvail Elementary School, 10 Eileen Court — Districts 21, 28
• Rockaway Meadow Elementary School, 160 Edwards Road — Districts 25, 26, 35, 36
• Troy Hills Elementary School, 509 South Beverwyck Road — Districts 20, 24, 27

For assistance or more information, residents can contact the Morris County Clerk’s Office or visit the official Morris County elections website.

The General Election on November 4 will include statewide races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, County Commissioner, Sheriff, and all 80 seats in the New Jersey General Assembly.

Locally, Parsippany residents will vote for the Mayor and two Township Council members.