Full Name: Janice McCarthy

Office Seeking: Parsippany Town Council

Party lines: Democrat

Campaign website: www.positiveparsippany.com

Facebook: facebook.com/positiveparsippany

What community do you live in? Mt. Tabor

How long have you lived there? 29 years

Provide family information: Married

What is your education background? Undergraduate degree in Business and an MBA in Finance

Why do you think you are qualified for this position? My qualifications for this office is my professional career working for Fortune 500 companies; ADP as Director of Finance and Ingersoll Rand as Director of Budget and Planning and then managing the budget operation at Montclair State University giving me experience in both the private and public sectors. My many years of business experience in responsible financial positions with specific strengths in the areas of planning and budgeting would be an asset to the town’s budget process. I am also an effective communicator who would effectively bring my message and ideas to the council and the administration.

Why are you running for this elected office? I’m running for office to bring back a bi-partisan government when the Mayor and Town Council worked effectively together to maintain our infrastructure, deliver quality services, preserve our environment while controlling development and it did it all in a fiscally responsible manner.  It was a government that worked for all our residents. I believe Parsippany deserves that kind of government again and I intend to work to bring it back.

What are the three issues that most concern you?

• The influence of money in our government and in this election cycle. In 2015 over $150,000 was contributed by businesses that have contracts with the town to promote election of two (2) town council candidates. With this amount of money being spent in a local election, how much confidence can residents have that these businesses are chosen on their merit and cost effectiveness and not money and favors?
• Responsible Development that is beneficial to public interest not private interests. For example the Waterview development proposals favored the developer interests and disregarded the publics. None of the proposals in my opinion was acceptable.
• Control Spending – In 2015 the town spent $1million in taxpayer money in litigation and legal fees primarily attributed to one lawsuit. The Town refuses to settle this lawsuit even though over the last few years it has lost each decision. I know there is more a productive and beneficial way to spend a million dollars of taxpayer’s money than paying attorney’s fees for a failed lawsuit.  Over the past two years the town’s Legal Services have increased a half a million dollars.

Explain your proposed approach to managing these issues.

Influence of Money – Adhere to the pay to play ordinance that voters overwhelmingly approved in 2009. Even though contributions through a Super-PAC to our opponent’s campaigns were technically legal it circumvented the ordinance. I propose that any elected official whose campaign benefited from contributions by businesses through a Super-PAC recuse themselves from any future dealings the town has with these businesses.

Development – This town, like many towns, ends up accepting what developers propose because proposals comply with regulations instead of adhering to a comprehensive land use strategy that specifies areas that can support and are reasonable for development and areas that should be preserved. In many instances consideration isn’t given to the true economic effect of development and how it impacts the cost of public services and tax revenue. Every open space doesn’t have to be developed. Waterview was a good example of an overreaching development project. It didn’t fit the area, yet every version of the developer’s proposal was acceptable to at least one councilman and the administration.  Fortunately it was rejected. If I was elected I would make every effort to work with all council members, developers and the public to implement an effective land use strategy and a more substantive and accountable review process.

Control Spending – It is one of the most important responsibilities the town council and administration have. I’d advocate if elected to make sure vendors are properly vetted and enough time is allowed in the vetting process to award contracts and eliminate conflict.  One way to accomplish this is submitting businesses with town contracts to a yearly competitive review process. This sends a message that businesses are hired for performance and cost effectiveness and not out of favoritism.

Minimize no bid contracts and where they are necessary implement a performance review process that keeps open the opportunity to renegotiate.

Implementing these practices also addresses the issue of money influencing the process.

Have you held elected office before? I have not held an elected office.

What organizations do you belong to? Parsippany Democratic Committee and the Literacy Volunteers of Morris County

Full Name: Nicholas Christopher Kumburis

Office Seeking: Parsippany Town Council

Party lines: Moderate Democrat

Campaign website: www.positiveparsippany.com

Facebook Page: facebook.com/positiveparsippany

What community do you live in? Lake Parsippany

How long have you lived there? 10 years

How old are you? 42

Provide family information: I am married to Sue Martin. We have two children, Olivia, 8, and Matthew, 6.

What is your education background? Rutgers University – MBA in Pharmaceutical Management; Montclair State University – BA in Biology (Chemistry Minor); Villanova University – Lean Six Sigma Green Belt; Villanova University – Master Certificate in Project Management.

Why do you think you are qualified for this position? I am a US Veteran, with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry and an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management. Professionally, my career has focused on identifying the root cause of issues and finding cost effective solutions to complex problems. My Six Sigma experience helps me to streamline processes creating cost effective work flows. My MBA from Rutgers Business School in Newark, gave me experience in Urban Entrepreneurship and Negotiations. I experienced firsthand the revitalization of Newark’s urban centers and will apply those principles and my network to help develop policies conducive to filling our retail and office vacancies. I work full time and am self-sufficient. I cannot and will not be bought by special interest groups. My integrity will not allow it.

Why are you running for this elected office? My children are my prime motivation. I am running to make sure that Parsippany is still a great place to live when they are old enough to raise families. Unfortunately, in the 10 years I have lived in Parsippany, I have seen a lot of change. Developers have imposed their will by gobbling up open spaces, building unnecessary office and retail spaces which now lay vacant. These same developers have begun funding superPacs to affect local elections creating friction at the local level. I am frustrated by what is going on and I want to make a difference.

What are the three issues that most concern you?

• Preserving open/historic spaces: Parsippany is home to many pre- and post-Revolutionary War sites. This once agrarian has been rapidly over developed with no heed to the Master Plan or the Highlands act. Historic sites like Greystone are being demolished and open spaces are being consumed by urban sprawl.
• Attracting businesses to fill vacancies: There have been years of bad development which has resulted a high number of vacant office buildings and retail spaces
• End political in-fighting: Lawsuits have plagued our town government over recent years at the taxpayer’s expense.

Explain your proposed approach to managing these issues.

• I will vote to preserve the remaining historical sites and open spaces. I will vote against any development of Waterview, the Golf Course in Mt. Tabor and any encroachment of the Stickley Property. Areas truly in need of redevelopment will be repurposed first, like flood damaged homes in Lake Hiawatha and the aging office buildings no longer technologically fit to attract new businesses. I will push to ensure we become Highlands Act compliant, which will give our natural resources the added protection that they deserve.
• As a student at Rutgers I studied Urban Entrepreneurship and saw firsthand how proper planning and development turned around the inner city of Newark. These same development principles can be applied to any town. By creating incubators for small businesses and start-ups we can develop our own home grown talent truly invested in the betterment of Parsippany. In the spirit of “Live Local, Work Local”, businesses created by Parsippany residents are much less likely to leave.
• I have always taken the high road in business, life and my dealings with others. I have made it a point to work cooperatively with those around me. I have learned that by understanding the other party’s needs and interests one can work out an optimal solution without animosity. I am confident I can work with each of the candidates, current members of council and the Mayor without creating an antagonistic scenario or sacrificing my principles.

Have you held elected office before? Please provide details of what position and for how long. Morris County Democratic Committee member (Parsippany District 15) 2012-Present

What organizations do you belong to? St. Andrew Lutheran Church (former Council VP/ Sunday School Teacher). Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE #2078). Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association (LPPOA). Morris County Democratic Committee member (Parsippany District 15). American Society for Quality (ASQ). Project Management Institute (PMI).

Full Name: Gregory B. Elbin

Office Seeking: Town Council Seat

Party lines: Democrat

Campaign website: parsippanydems.org

Facebook Page: Parsippany Democratic Committee

What community do you live in? We reside at 29 Farmstead Drive, District 38, close to Parsippany High School.

How long have you lived there? 20 years.

How old are you? 62

Provide family information: Married 38 years to Dr. Susan Elbin. We have one daughter, Rachel, 28 years old.

What is your education background? BA, German and Religion, Dickinson College; MA German, PSU; I taught high school German for 30 years.

Why do you think you are qualified for this position? I’m a skilled negotiator, having worked on four teacher-board contracts. Although emotions can run high, I’m confident I will be able to help gain consensus in the face of tough issues.

Why are you running for this elected office? Although I’m active in many volunteer organizations that support our community, I need to be able to represent Parsippany on Town Council. I have observed how our Council has spent two years virtually deadlocked on issues. We have an opportunity to end this stagnation and ensure an independent Council that can truly represent the interests of all citizens. We need to end the partisan politics that prevail in our community.

What are the three issues that most concern you?
a. Transparency: One of the Council’s major responsibilities is oversight of budgeting and spending. Under the present administration, budgets have been late, and copies have not been readily available to the public. Council members have been prevented from reviewing legal and other bills.
b. Development: Some on Council have voted “yes” on every developer’s proposal on the Waterview tract, which borders the Lake Intervale residential area. The Council needs my vote to ensure that we ask the right questions and make the right choices, not only on Waterview, but also on other open space issues, rezoning, and the Council on Affordable Housing.
c. Escalating Legal Costs: We have one million dollars in litigation and legal bills for the Town Attorney. Indeed, legal fees have increased 45% since 2010. A good portion of the litigation expense is dedicated to a politically motivated lawsuit. These fees are footed by the taxpayer.

Explain your proposed approach to managing these issues.
a. Transparency: The local “pay to play” ordinance was eviscerated and open space decisions were taken away, for example, from the Open Space Committee. I would ask the standing committees to make regular presentations at council meetings about issues under their purview, empowering members of said committees to share their expertise. Their advice should be weighed heavily. I would also ensure that Township budgets are accessible to the public in a timely manner.
b. Development: The present administration has ushered in an era of unrestrained development in the town, by virtue of the “areas in need of redevelopment” designation. Some of the “areas” are areas that have never been developed. We need to be true to the Master Plan in terms of new development projects. If changes in zoning are necessary, they need to be effected through mindful reexamination of the Master Plan, and not slipped in through the back door by means of capricious spot zoning.
c. Escalating Legal Costs: One of the major jobs of our Council is to review
invoices. As a councilman, I would insist that Council be able to review all billing. We can no longer accept the highly redacted versions of attorney bills. The rising cost of politically motivated lawsuits is a burden on our taxpayers that is intolerable.

Have you held elected office before? Vice President of Morris Hills Regional District Education Association, four years; Treasurer, Northern Chapter of AATG, six years; President-Elect of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany-Troy Hills, 2016-2017.

What organizations do you belong to? Lay Member at Parsippany United Methodist; Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, AATG, NJEA, Lodge 700, Free & Accepted Masons.

Full Name: Michael J. dePierro

Office Seeking: Parsippany Township Council

Party lines: Republican

Campaign website: ParsippanyWins2015.com

Facebook Page: facebook.com/dePierro and Gragnani

What community do you live in? We live in Rickland Village which is East of North Beverwyck Road and South of Vail Road.

How long have you lived there? We have lived in Parsippany for over 50 years.

How old are you? I am 76 years old.

Provide family information: Dee and I recently celebrated our 55^th Anniversary. Our three children and ten grandchildren all live within an hour’s drive. Our grandchildren range in ages from 28 down to 11.

What is your education background? I have an Electrical Engineering degree from Fairleigh Dickenson University. I completed many technical courses required by the Bell System, and others while on active duty in the Air Force.

Why do you think you are qualified for this position? I have served Parsippany as an elected official for over 38 years. All of my decisions have been based upon quality of life issues. When Money Magazine rated Parsippany as the “Best small city to live in New Jersey”, they considered the eight categories that I base my decision upon; property taxes, home values, population growth, land development, employment, crime rate, school performance, and proximity to services. I have been a part of the collective wisdom that shaped our Township. I am the only elected official in Parsippany to be inducted into the New Jersey State League of Municipalities “Elected Officials Hall of Fame”. My record is one of accomplishment.

Why are you running for this elected office? Our work is not done. New challenges are on the horizon that jeopardize our quality of life in Parsippany.

What are the three issues that most concern you? Actually, there are four issues that concern me. (1) New Supreme Court mandates for low and moderate income housing; (2) Office Vacancy Rates; (3) Our infrastructure (Sewer Plant; Water Plant; Roads; Parks; etc.); and continued support for our Volunteers.

Explain your proposed approach to managing these issues. Parsippany’s obligation (1) to build low and moderate income housing depends upon the available space that we have. The more space that we have, the more housing that we must allow. For example, the 26 acre Waterview Tract … either that will be developed with a Whole Foods store and five smaller stores combined with 9.5 acres of open space (with no apartments and no school children), or it will be developed with 600 apartments, 120 of which will be low and moderate income (and however many school children that will generate). (2) We must help and support Commercial property owners to make their properties more attractive to potential clients. One example could be allowing an office complex to open a Day Care Center in their complex. Imagine how many educated and trained mothers with small children that employers could attract if they could offer free childcare services at their location. We must be open minded and supportive of new proposals to fill our vacant offices. (3) Even though we have upgraded the processing of sewerage with the resultant significant savings in electrical costs, the remainder of the plant also be maintained and upgraded including the Catch Basin, the Electrical System, and the pumps and blowers. Water Towers, Wells, pumps, and water pipes must be maintained. The many miles of Roads that the Township is responsible for must be maintained, plowed and cleaned on a scheduled basis. All of our many parks must be maintained and kept safe for our children’s use.  Our Volunteers constantly need to upgrade old equipment and replace supplies. We need to support them in every way that we can.

Have you held elected office before? In addition to the 32 years that I have served as a Councilman, I have also served on the Parsippany School Board for six years. While on the school board, I also served as President of the Morris County School Boards Association.

What organizations do you belong to? I am a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10184; a Life member of the American Legion Post 249; a 42 year member of the Parsippany Rotary Club (and two-time Past President); a Trustee of Craftsman Farms; Planning Board member for 22 years; Sons of Italy (Chairman of the Scholarship Committee); Open Space Committee; Knoll Country Club Advisory Committee; Little League East, Little League West and Parsippany Soccer team sponsor for the past 32 years; Fairleigh Dickenson University Alumni Association; National Notary Association; the Association of Government Accountants; the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers; Phi Beta Gamma (a National Executive Honor Society); and Parishioner of St. Ann Church (Door Hospitality and Golf Committee).

Full Name:  Paul Carifi Jr.

Office Seeking: Parsippany Troy-Hills Town Council

Party lines: Republican

Campaign website: ParsippanyResidentsFirst.com

What community do you live in? Sedgefield

How long have you lived there? 15 Years;  40 in Parsippany all together

How old are you? 49

Provide family information: Single, Twin 8 year old Boys

What is your education background? BA in Sociology / Criminal Justice from East Stroudsburg University

Why do you think you are qualified for this position? Currently the Council President. I feel I have worked very hard for the quality of life for our residents. I have an understanding of budgets and I have proven that I know how to eliminate wasteful spending.

Why are you running for this elected office? I have lived in Parsippany most of my life. I grew up here. I want to continue to do what is right for the residents of Parsippany.

What are the three issues that most concern you? The quality of life for our residents, taxes, and our town being more Transparent. Our residents deserve to know where their money is being spent. This is an on going issue I have had with our current administration since I became a councilman.

Explain your proposed approach to managing these issues. I will continue to scrutinize every dollar spent and look for ways to save out tax payer’s money. I proposed over 1.2 million dollars in budget cuts this last year alone which were approved and those cuts did not affect a single service to our township residents. I will continue to look for ways to generate revenue for our town which will in turn lower our taxes. I will continue to fight to make our township government transparent to all of our residents.

Have you held elected office before? I have been a councilman since September of 2010. I am currently the Council President.

What organizations do you belong to? Parishioner at St. Christopher’s Church, Sons of Italy

Full Name: Loretta Ann Gragnani

Office Seeking: Parsippany Troy-Hills Town Council

Party lines: Regular Republican Organization

Campaign website: ParsippanyWins2015.com

Facebook Page: Facebook.com/ParsippanyWins

What community do you live in? Rickland West

How long have you lived there? 47 Years

How old are you? Gentleman do not ask ladies their age.

Provide family information (married, single, children and ages). Married to Adam; two sons, Andrew 49, Peter 43

What is your education background? I am a partner in a kitchen and bath establishment in Parsippany Township; Ongoing education in new technology, building codes and design concepts; Erasmus Hall High School, Brooklyn, NY

Why do you think you are qualified for this position?  I work with people every day making decisions regarding their budget needs as to best cost, least cost for their project(s). As a member of the Finance Council of St. Ann Church we make budget decisions that affect the overall operations of our parish always keeping in mind what will best serve our parishioners.

I am currently a member of the Township Board of Adjustment serving since 2006 where decisions are made not only for the residents but our township.

Why are you running for this elected office? I want to get more involved in the decision making process that will affect this Township and its residents.  I love this town and would like to help protect the quality of life that we have come to enjoy.

What are the three issues that most concern you?

• Court mandated low income and affordable housing
• Reduce the office vacancy level in our township to increase our ratable base
• Support our volunteers

Explain your proposed approach to managing these issues. 

• Land that is available now (i.e. – Waterview Site). Should this parcel not be developed there is an application pending before the Parsippany Board of Adjustment with the possibility of 120 affordable units being built and placing a strain on educational and town services.
• Encourage owners of commercial properties to enhance the exterior and interior of their buildings to attract new tenants.
• The service  that our volunteers provide are essential to our township.
• I have worked with our volunteers during Hurricane Irene and witnessed the day to day relief that they provided to our residents. If we were to pay for these services our taxes would have to increase significantly.

Have you held elected office before? No

What organizations do you belong to?

• Morris County Women’s Republican Club
• Parsippany Republican Club Member and Secretary
• Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms Development Committee
• Lake Hiawatha Business Association
• National Kitchens and Bath Association (NKBA)