Governor Phil Murphy. Photo by Rich Hundley, Trentonian
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy, in a landmark decision recently signed a three-bill package aimed at promoting housing affordability in New Jersey. This package aligns with the Murphy Administration’s sustained commitment to invest in housing initiatives and make New Jersey a more affordable place to live, work, and start a family.
Governor Murphy commented, “As we strive to make New Jersey more affordable for all, we must ensure we remove barriers that prevent people from becoming homeowners… I am proud to sign legislation that will not only expand opportunities for first-time homebuyers and those seeking affordable housing, but will further advance our state as the best place in the nation to raise a family.”
The three bills sanctioned today encompass:
1. A-5596/S-3991, which establishes the Urban Preservation Program within the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA). This program, backed by an $80 million investment from federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds allocated in the FY2024 budget, supports investments in rehabilitation and reconstruction projects aimed at preserving affordable housing in urban areas.
2. A-5595/S-4026, which expands specific State programmatic interventions related to residential foreclosures. Backed by a $15 million investment from ARP funds in the FY2024 budget, this bill endows the NJHMFA with an extended set of tools to intervene in foreclosures, keeping New Jerseyans in their homes and rehabilitating and reselling vacant properties.
3. A-5415/S-3780, which codifies and expands NJHMFA’s successful down payment assistance program, reflecting the Governor’s Wealth Disparity Task Force’s efforts to provide tangible benefits specifically for first-generation homebuyers. This bill also introduces the Resilient Home Construction Pilot Program in the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to fund developers to rehabilitate existing homes and construct new affordable houses for sale.
The signed bill package fortifies the Murphy Administration’s dedication to housing affordability, evident in its investment of over $1.3 billion in the Affordable Rescue Plan (ARP) State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF) dollars for housing in the past three years.
Earlier in the day, Governor Murphy endorsed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, incorporating over $300 million for affordable housing initiatives, including those promoted by the newly signed housing bills. The funding will back the programs outlined in the affordable housing bill package.
“The three housing bills signedprovide breakthrough opportunities for citizens to establish roots and enrich communities in the great state of New Jersey,” stated Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who also serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs.
She emphasized the impact of affordable housing on community enrichment, family stability, and economic vitality, recognizing its importance in the nation’s most densely populated state.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Nicolas Limanov, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Frank Shizas, Kiwanis Lt. Governor Division 9 and Charter Member Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Frank Cahill, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Gragnani and Apostolis Apopiso
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, a long-standing community organization, recently presented Frank Shizas, owner of Empire Diner, with a heartfelt plaque as a token of appreciation. For over three decades, Empire Diner has been the cherished meeting place for the Kiwanis Club, making the diner’s closure a poignant moment for the entire membership.
Patrolman Sean Golden, Patrolman Justin Gosden, Patrolman Michael Bettelli, Patrolman Alex Cavaluzzo, Patrolman Angelo Macera were sworn in on Wednesday, June 28, by Mayor James Barberio
PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, June 28, Mayor James Barberio had the honor of swearing in five new officers to the Parsippany Police Department. Patrolman Michael Bettelli, Patrolman Alex Cavaluzzo, Patrolman Angelo Macera, Patrolman Sean Golden, and Patrolman. Justin Gosden will attend the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy before joining the ranks of Parsippany’s finest protecting the Parsippany-Troy Hills community.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, July 2023. Click here to read the magazine.
The fireworks over Parsippany Hills High School. File Photo
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s Fourth of July celebration will be held on Tuesday, July 4 at Parsippany Hills High School.
The area will open at 5:00 p.m. and a Rock Show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will commence at dark.
There are no pets permitted. The rain date is Wednesday, July 5.
Plan alternate travel routes if you are not attending the event. There will be traffic delays in the area of Route 53, Park Road., Brooklawn Drive and Route 202 during this time. Everyone in attendance will proceed through a Police checkpoint prior to entry. Intoxicated persons will be DENIED entry. All BAGS & CONTAINERS are subject to inspection.
*THE FOLLOWING IS PROHIBITED:
– GLASS CONTAINERS
– ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
– PETS
– PERSONAL FIREWORKS (Even the Legal ones)
– DRONES (or other types of Aircraft)
*PARKING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (Proper Placards Must Be Possessed) – Limited Parking at the Tennis Courts. Access can be gained via Glencove Road. Golf carts will be present to assist with transporting people needing assistance on the hill.
*O.E.M. PERSONNEL AVAILABLE FOR ASSISTANCE:
Volunteer members of the Parsippany Office of Emergency Management wearing Hi-Visibility Lime/Green Shirts at the event available for directions & guidance.
As if the smoke in the air was not enough to deal with, now Parsippany residents must deal with the stench of another one of Mayor Jamie Barberio’s self-serving political power plays.
Never one to play by or even care about the rules, the blundering and blubbering Barberio apparently coerced County Clerk Ann Grossi and Dee dePierro into doing his bidding by selecting pro-Barberio, but illegal appointments, to fill vacant seats on the Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee. Apparently, Barberio hoped, that by doing so, he could secure enough committee votes to become the Chairperson of the Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee.
Fortunately, Councilman Justin Musella once again had the guts to stand up to Barberio and challenge the Mayor’s illegal power grab. By doing so, Musella successfully secured a ruling from Judge Minkowitz that invalidated Barberio Grossi, and dePierro’s illegal efforts
Morris County Superior Court Judge Stuart Minkowitz
PARSIPPANY — Morris County Superior Court Judge Stuart Minkowitz ruled to remove the illegal appointments made by Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee Chairwoman Delores (Dee) dePierro from the official roster maintained by the Morris County Clerk.
During the primary election of June 6, 63 of the 78 seats were successfully filled by the voters of Parsippany. These candidates will serve from 2023-2025.
On June 15, prior to the votes being certified by the Morrris County Elections, and without the necessary meeting, quorum, or vote by the county committee members, (as per the organization’s bylaws) current Chairwoman dePierro submitted to the office of Morris County Elections thirteen appointments to fill vacant seats on the Parsippany Municipal Committee. The Morris County Clerk’s Office then entered those names into the official roster of County Committee members.
The judge ordered the twelve illegal names to be removed from the official roster, maintained by the Morris County Clerk.
The Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee will be holding a re-organization on Thursday, July 6.
After the re-organization meeting, the committee then elects to fill the vacant fourteen seats.
According to the complaint, the following were the illegally appointed members:
1. BettyLou DeCroce 2. Amanda McGrath 3. Jennifer Nazziola 4. Antonio Piccininni 5. Tina Piccininni 6. Annmarie Ferrara 7. David Kaplan 8. Loretta Gragnani 9. Kenneth Lambert 10. Joanne Krevis 11. Amanda Terpstra 12. Frank Neglia
Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee Chair Dee (Delores) dePierro and Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi were named in a lawsuit that they arranged for illegal appointments to vacant local County Committee seats ahead of the 2023 municipal reorganization meeting to obstruct the newly elected County Committee from conducting its operational tasks.
The Plaintiffs in the suit were Justin Musella, a member of the Parsippany Municipal Committee, and the Morris County Republican Committee.
During the biennial organization of the Morris Dems, Morris Plains Mayor Jason Kerr administered the oath of office to the leadership team. Amalia Duarte from Mendham Township took on the role of Chair, Darcy Draeger from Chester assumed the position of Secretary, and Cara Parmigiani from Morris Plains became the Sergeant-at-Arms. Additionally, Mike DeLamater from Morristown was appointed as Vice Chair. However, Treasurer Michael Thompson from Mendham Township was absent from the event.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Democrats unanimously re-elected their leadership team during the biennial reorganization meeting held at County College of Morris in Randolph on Saturday, June 24.
Re-elected were Chair Amalia Duarte of Mendham Township, Vice Chair Mike DeLamater of Morristown, Treasurer Michael Thompson of Mendham Township, Secretary Dary Draeger of Chester, and Sergeant at Arma Cara Parmigiani of Morris Plains.
Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr swore in the team.
County Committee representatives from nearly every town in the county participated in the meeting, held every two years.
In her remarks, Duarte thanked the municipal chairs, county committee members, and elected officials for their work to continue winning seats and expanding the party in Morris County.
She also reviewed last year’s progress, including building a greater social media presence; funding every campaign last year; offering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training; reducing overhead; recruiting candidates; and organizing successful rallies, fundraisers, and candidate training events.
The updated bylaws were approved during the meeting, incorporating the organization’s Constitution. Notably, the bylaws now permit modifications during special meetings instead of waiting for the biennial reorganization, offering increased flexibility to enhance the bylaws when necessary.
MORRIS COUNTY — Tourne County Park and trails reopened on Thursday, June 28.
“We ask that dog owners respect their fellow park patrons and the wildlife that call the park home and follow park commission rules and regulations by keeping dogs on a leash,” said park officials.
The park closed after a report of a black bear displaying aggressive behavior towards park patrons, announced park officials. A bear came within a few feet of patrons in two cases. There was also an incident between a park patron and a bear protecting its three cubs, said authorities.
For more information on what to do when encountering a bear, visit the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife website by clicking here.
Police have continued their search for Lara Emanuele, 46, who was last seen in New Jersey on June 7
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Roxbury Police Chief Dean Adone offers an update on the search for Lara Emanuele, 46.
Emanuele is 5 feet and 6 inches tall, has red hair, and weighs about 125 pounds.
She worked at the Alexander Hamilton Elementary School in Morristown.
Her car was found in a hotel parking lot near a wildlife preserve about five miles from her home on June 8
Emanuele was reported missing on June 7 after not returning home from work. The ongoing, coordinated search effort includes officers, K-9s, and technical assistance from Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Missing Persons Unit, Roxbury Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit, New Jersey State Police K9 Unit, New Jersey Search and Rescue (comprised of law enforcement and trained civilians), Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office K9, Bergen County Sheriff’s Office K9, Pennsylvania Search and Rescue, and the Conservation Police. Operations are weather-permitting.
The search includes officers, multiple K-9s, trained civilians, and technical assistance, such as drones.
Operations have been centered on the Berkshire Valley State Wildlife Management Area and surrounding areas, as Emanuele’s vehicle was found on June 8 in the nearby parking lot of a hotel on Howard Boulevard. The search includes officers, multiple K-9s, trained civilians, and technical assistance, such as drones.
The search is in addition to a comprehensive investigation by the MCPO Missing Persons Unit, Roxbury Police Department, and assisting agencies.
The search is in addition to a comprehensive investigation by the MCPO Missing Persons Unit, Roxbury Police Department, and assisting agencies. The investigation so far has included a review of video surveillance from multiple sources, a review of digital communications, canvassing in several locations, interviews, and other standard procedures. Emanuele’s cell phone was found in her abandoned vehicle. Authorities observed Emanuele exit her vehicle in the parking lot alone and depart of her own free will.
Emanuele’s disappearance is not considered suspicious, but there is concern for her well-being. As Emanuele has not been located, the investigation remains open.
Emanuele’s disappearance is not considered suspicious, but there is concern for her well-being. As Emanuele has not been located, the investigation remains open.
This remains a Missing Persons investigation. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is the lead law enforcement agency and will notify the public if the status of the investigation changes.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office ordinarily does not share details regarding ongoing investigations. While the investigation has not yet concluded, these details are being shared in the interest of transparency as there has been much inquiry related to this case.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “This is a difficult time for Ms. Emanuele’s family and the Roxbury and Alexander Hamilton School communities. Law enforcement has been working diligently to locate Ms. Emanuele, carried out by many law enforcement professionals and trained civilians, so far over a grueling 21 days, in challenging conditions. The officers and volunteers who work tirelessly to find Ms. Emanuele deserve our gratitude.
We know Ms. Emanuele is a special person, evident by the outpouring of support and offers to help this case has generated. Regrettably, her disappearance has also spawned rumors and speculation on social media, spread by people falsely claiming to represent law enforcement.
Out of respect and consideration for Emanuele’s family, there will be no further comment on the details of this investigation.”
Out of respect and consideration for Emanuele’s family, there will be no further comment on the details of this investigation.” Anyone with information regarding Emanuele’s whereabouts or this investigation is encouraged to make contact with the Roxbury Police Department at (973) 448-2100 or the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Missing Persons Unit On-Call Detective through the Morris County Communications Center at (973) 285-2900.
Mayor James Barberio of Parsippany-Troy Hills proudly presents a Proclamation to commemorate the 85th Anniversary of St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio issued a Proclamation to St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church is celebrating its 85th Anniversary. Mayor Barberio said, “I hereby recognize the significant role St. Peter the Apostle Church has played in the lives of so many here in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills on the momentous occasion of their 85th Anniversary.”
Mayor James Barberio of Parsippany-Troy Hills proudly presents a Proclamation to commemorate the 85th Anniversary of St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Roxbury Police Chief Dean Adone confirmed the seizure of over $256,000 US Currency, approximately 250 Alprazolam pills, 7 pounds of marijuana, 100 LSD tabs, ½ ounce of methamphetamine, 5 grams of cocaine, 70 grams of marijuana wax, drug distribution materials, and the arrest of two individuals after an investigation by the Morris County Narcotics Task Force, Roxbury Police Department and United States Postal Inspection Service.
Nelly Solano, 59, of Kenvil, was charged with: • Possession of LSD with Intent to Distribute, a crime of the first degree. • Conspiracy to Distribute LSD, a crime of the Second Degree. • Distribution of LSD, a crime of the first degree. • Possession of LSD, a crime of the third degree. • Possession of Methamphetamine, a crime of the third degree. • Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, a crime of the third degree. • Distribution of Methamphetamine, a crime of the third degree. • Money Laundering, a crime of the second degree. • Possession with Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia, a crime of the fourth degree.
Eldridge Cruzado, 21, of Kenvil, was charged with: • Possession of LSD with Intent to Distribute, a crime of the first degree. • Conspiracy to Distribute LSD, a crime of the Second Degree. • Distribution of LSD, a crime of the first degree. • Possession of LSD, a crime of the third degree. • Possession of Methamphetamine, a crime of the third degree. • Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, a crime of the third degree. • Distribution of Methamphetamine, a crime of the third degree. • Money Laundering, a crime of the second degree. • Possession with Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia, a crime of the fourth degree. The seizure occurred on June 21, the same day the two defendants were charged.
Cruzado is lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing. Solano was released on pretrial monitoring.
First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood stated, “This investigation was the direct result of collaborative partnerships with our municipal, county, state, and federal partners. The success of our Narcotics Task Force thrives on these partnerships and the Task Force Officers provided by our Sheriff and Municipal Police Chiefs.”
Chief Adone added, “This case was a great example of teamwork between all agencies involved. I thank my detectives for their diligent, proactive police work on this case. I also want to thank the Morris County Prosecutors Office Narcotics Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service for their assistance. We will continue aggressively pursuing cases against individuals distributing narcotics in Roxbury.”
First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood thanks the following agencies for their assistance and commitment to the Narcotics Task Force and this investigation: Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division, Morris County Sheriff’s Office and K9 Unit, Roxbury Police Department, Dover Police Department, Town of Boonton Police Department, US Postal Inspectors, and New Jersey State Parole Detectives.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On June 27, 2023 at 8:09 p.m., Parsippany Fire Districts 4,5, and 6, EMS Car 65 responded to a report of a fire at Elma's
PARSIPPANY — On June 27, 2023, at 8:09 p.m., a team consisting of Parsippany Fire Districts 4, 5, and 6, EMS Car 65, Captain Dowd, Lt. Carrozzino, Sgt. Lesiak, S.O Ruggier, Ptl. Baker, and Ptl. Christopher Yi, responded to a report of an active structure fire at 1561 Route 46 East, specifically at Elmas Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine.
Blaze Breaks Out at Elmas Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine on Route 46 East
The first responders quickly arrived at the scene with lights and sirens activated. Upon arrival, they observed thick black smoke and flames emanating from the restaurant’s roof.
This section vividly describes the sudden eruption of flames from the roof of Elma’s Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine.
The fire units wasted no time and immediately commenced efforts to control the blaze by opening the roof and initiating extinguishing procedures. While the firefighting operations were ongoing, officers present had a conversation with the business owner, Syed Abdulhai.
Mr. Abdulhai informed Ptl. Christopher Yi that he had recently spoken to the landlord, Joseph Minelli, after discovering a roof leak the day before. Apparently, an unidentified company had been hired to fix the leak earlier that day around 3;00 p.m. Unfortunately, the area where the flames originated coincided with the repaired spot.
In light of the circumstances, Ptl. Cavaliere was assigned to conduct an arson investigation and was already present at the scene, alongside District 5. Additionally, the Morris County Crime Scene Investigation (C.S.I.) team was dispatched to provide further assistance with the investigation. Dispatch was responsible for notifying all relevant construction and township officials, who promptly arrived to support the ongoing investigation and facilitate the cleanup process.
Blaze Breaks Out at Elmas Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine on Route 46 East
Ptl. Baker and Ptl.Yi remained at the scene until all units had concluded their duties and the scene was officially handed over to Ptl. Cavaliere. There is no additional information to report at this time.
A vehicle collided with the goal post at Smith Field
PARSIPPANY — Ms. Nayana Patel, 53, Little Falls, was driving a 2011 Black Ford Edge south on Baldwin Road and attempting to turn left onto Route 46 East. She traveled through the traffic signal and struck the curb. She continued striking and driving through the New Jersey Transit Bus stop. Then she traveled onto the property of Smith Field, striking and going through a metal fence that surrounds Smith Field. The vehicle went airborne, dropped approximately 10 feet onto Smith Field, struck a soccer goal net, and stopped in the middle. This incident occurred on Monday, June 26, at 1:12 p.m.
Patrolman Robert Lenahan, Jr. investigating the scene on Smith Field
The unfortunate incident damaged various structures and areas, including the New Jersey Park and Ride, the surrounding fence of Smith Field, the turf of the soccer field, and the soccer goal net.
Officer Robert Lenahan Jr., from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, charged Ms. Patel with Careless Driving. Subsequently, Eagle Towing was called to the scene to tow the vehicle away.
The vehicle rested at a soccer goal net.This is the area of Route 46 where the car jumped the curb, went airborne and dropped approximately 10 feet onto Smith Field.
Amit Bhatt, a former Parsippany-Troy Hills resident
PARSIPPANY — Morris County First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Chief of Police Richard Pantina confirmed that Amit Bhatt, 43, formerly of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, was sentenced in relation to an Aggravated Sexual Assault that occurred on October 28, 2017, in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township.
On June 23, 2023, the Honorable Ralph Amirata, J.S.C. sentenced Bhatt to 29 years in New Jersey State Prison on a first degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, with 25 years of parole ineligibility. Judge Amirata also imposed six years in New Jersey State Prison on a second degree Sexual Assault, subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA). A third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child count merged into the Sexual Assault count. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently to each other. Upon release, Bhatt is subject to Megan’s Law notification and Parole Supervision for Life. Bhatt is also ordered to have no contact with the victim. Pursuant to the Jessica Lunsford Act, the defendant was required to receive a sentence between 25 years and life imprisonment, with a mandatory 25 years of parole ineligibility, on the first degree Aggravated Sexual Assault charge.
A jury returned a guilty verdict on the three charges on January 27, 2023 following a three-day trial. The State was represented at trial by Assistant Prosecutor Taylor Sharofsky and former-Assistant Prosecutor Vanessa Craveiro, and at sentencing by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Reema Kareer. The charges arose from an incident that occurred on October 28, 2017 in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, wherein the defendant performed sex acts on and touched the inner thigh of an eight year-old child. Members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes / Child Endangerment Unit conducted an investigation into the incident after being notified of the victim’s disclosure by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office on January 11, 2022.
First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood would like to thank and acknowledge the agencies that participated in the investigation which led to this successful outcome, including the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Police Department, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes / Child Endangerment Unit. First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood commended the Trial Team: Former Assistant Prosecutor Vanessa Craivero, Assistant Prosecutor Taylor Sharofsky, Detective Supervisor Lydia Negron, Detective Lamar Hagans and Victim Witness Advocate Amanda Holloway for their professional and dedicated service and whose contributions secured the successful conviction and sentence in this matter.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting will be held on June 27, 2023.
Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. Council meetings are held at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.
Mayor James R Barberio Council President Loretta Gragnani Council Vice-President Michael J. dePierro Councilman Paul Carifi Jr. Councilman Frank Neglia Councilman Justin Musella
Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi reads the "Oath of Office" to Councilman Michael dePierro, as his wife Dee holds the bible. File Photo
PARSIPPANY – A legal dispute erupted in the Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee appointments, adding to the chaos following the tumultuous June primary. The controversy revolves around allegations of appointments to vacant positions within the Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee.
Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee Chair Dee (Delores) dePierro and Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi were named in a lawsuit that they arranged for illegal appointments to vacant local County Committee seats ahead of the 2023 municipal reorganization meeting to obstruct the newly elected County Committee from conducting its operational tasks.
The lawsuit filed by Morris County Republican Committee (MCRC) challenges the legality of thirteen appointments by the current municipal chair, Dee dePierro, ahead of the party leadership election. Peter King, MCRC Vice Chairman, argues that Delores dePierro, Chairwoman Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee, lacked the authority to fill the vacancies independently, citing the party’s bylaws and state law.
Dee dePierro, a supporter of Mayor James Barberio, submitted the appointments to Morris County Elections, despite the Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee bylaws stipulating that the entire organization should fill vacancies through a vote. dePierro contends that she has the authority to make such appointments, citing past practices of other municipal chairs.
The lawsuit filed in Morris County Superior Court alleges that these appointments were made surreptitiously to hinder the newly elected County Committee from carrying out its responsibilities. It claims that dePierro hand-picked her allies for the vacant county committee seats after learning of the competition between school board member Susy Golderer and Mayor Barberio for the position of Chairperson of the Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee.
The legal challenge highlights that no meeting has been scheduled as required by the committee bylaws, which state that a meeting should be held seven days after the June 6 election. Despite the election results not being certified until later, dePierro made the appointments on June 15 without the necessary meeting, quorum, or vote by the county committee members. The lawsuit argues that this action violates the local county committee bylaws. Editor’s Note: Please be advised that New Jersey law now states the reorganization must be held within three Saturdays after the results are certified. In this case, the reorganization meeting should occur before or on Saturday, July 8.
The election wasn’t certified by Morris County Elections until June 19.
Parsippany comprises 39 voting districts, where Republican voters elect a male and a female candidate for each district, resulting in 78 committee members. However, only 63 positions were officially certified during the election process, leaving 15 seats vacant. Of these vacancies, thirteen were appointed by Dee dePierro and publicly announced on the Morris County Election website, which became a subject of the lawsuit. The remaining two vacant seats were intended for Ann and Nick Grossi, who had completed the necessary certification processes but declined to accept the appointment to the committee. (Click here for a roster of committee members as listed on the Morris County Elections website).
According to the complaint, the following were the illegally appointed members:
1. BettyLou DeCroce 2. Amanda McGrath 3. Jennifer Nazziola 4. Antonio Piccininni 5. Tina Piccininni 6. Annmarie Ferrara 7. David Kaplan 8. Loretta Gragnani 9. Kenneth Lambert 10. Joanne Krevis 11. Amanda Terpstra 12. Frank Neglia 13. John Beehler
Editors Note: After this article was published, it was learned that County Committee (male) for District 18 was awarded to John Beehler. The primary election had two candidates running for that position, Mr. John Beyroutey, receiving 57 votes, and John Beehler, receiving 47. Mr. Beyroutey was disqualified since he no longer lives within District 18.
In an interview with the New Jersey Globe, dePierro admitted to consulting with various individuals, including Mayor Barberio and her husband, Council Vice President Michael dePierro, and Council President Loretta Gragnani, to select appointees based on their preferences. This process bypassed the county committee bylaws and voting procedure. The selected appointment forms were notarized by Michael dePierro and accepted. The primary election was certified on June 19 by County Clerk Ann Grossi.
Grossi and her husband Nick were initially included in the process but were not posted on the County Election website, thus leaving two seats still vacant.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio
“MCRC Chairwoman Laurie Ali and Vice Chairman Peter King are attempting to take over Parsippany with lies, deceit, and hypocrisy. When the Former Chairman Lou Valori appointed members, it was fine. But when Chairwoman dePierro does the same thing, there’s a lawsuit. Parsippany should decide Parsippany’s business, not outsiders like Laura Ali and Peter King,” said Mayor James Barberio.
An anonymous county committee member alleged that Mayor Barberio colluded with dePierro to manipulate the situation, recognizing that he would not secure enough votes without their assistance.
In response to these developments, Candidate Susy Golderer called on Barberio to cease the illegal backfilling of Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee vacancies, criticizing the self-serving political maneuver as an embarrassment to the local party. Golderer urged unity among committee members for the betterment of the Parsippany Republican Party.
Morris County Superior Court Judge Stuart Minkowitz has been assigned to preside over the lawsuit, which will ultimately determine the validity of the Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee appointments and resolve the ongoing dispute. The hearing is scheduled for Friday, June 30, at 3:00 p.m.
After the case is resolved, Chairwoman Dee dePierro can arrange to have the committee meet and elect a new slate of officers, which according to the bylaws, must be on the first Monday following the primary election.
When this article was published, attorneys for the Defendants had not filed an answer with the Courts and weren’t available to Parsippany Focus.
Father Joe, a beloved figure in our Parsippany community, has recently retired after dedicating decades of service
PARSIPPANY — Father Joe, a beloved figure in our Parsippany community, has recently retired after dedicating decades of service. Born in Newark in 1948, he moved to Montclair after the untimely passing of his father. While renowned for his remarkable presence during mass, Father Joseph G. Buffardi’s journey extends far beyond his time at St. Christopher’s.
Father Joe showcased his athletic prowess as an outstanding baseball and basketball player during his childhood, actively participating in the CYO youth programs. During his junior year at Immaculate Conception in Montclair, he received the divine calling to become a priest. Embracing this path, Father Joe pursued his studies at the Seminary, where he graduated at the top of his class.
Father Joe served in various parishes within the Paterson Diocese following his ordination before joining the St. Christopher’s community in 1988. After a fruitful tenure until 1995, he was transferred to support churches in Dover and Paterson. However, Parsippany was fortunate to welcome Father Joe back in 2009, where he has since been a steadfast leader. As he embarks on retirement this summer, he plans to settle permanently in his Jersey Shore home.
As an avid lifelong fan of the NY Yankees, Father Joe intends to indulge in watching plenty of baseball during his retirement while also continuing to assist local parishes in the seaside area.
Father Joe shares his wisdom in parting: • His foremost career advice to young individuals: Pursue what brings you joy and make your own decisions in life. • A valuable life lesson he has learned: Persevere in what you aspire to do, never give up, and trust that everything will eventually fall into place.
While renowned for his remarkable presence during mass, Father Joseph G. Buffardi’s journey extends far beyond his time at St. Christopher’s.
PARSIPPANY — The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) announced that student Bhavishya Boga had been selected to join the esteemed organization.
The Society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship, and community commitment. The announcement was made by NSHSS Co-founder and President James W. Lewis. “On behalf of NSHSS and our co-founder Claes Nobel, a member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, I am honored to recognize the hard work, passion, and commitment that Bhavishya has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” said Lewis.
“Bhavishya is now a member of a unique community of scholars – a community that represents our very best hope for the future.” “We are proud to provide lifetime membership to young scholars to support their growth and development,” stated Lewis. “We help students like Bhavishya build on their academic success by connecting them with learning experiences and resources to help prepare them for college and meaningful careers.” NSHSS members automatically become lifetime members at the time of their initial membership. Each step along the way – from high school to college to career – NSHSS connects outstanding young scholars with the resources they need to develop their strengths and pursue their passions. Formed in 2002 by James W Lewis and Claes Nobel, members of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, the National Society of High School Scholars recognizes academic excellence at the high school level and helps to advance the goals and aspirations of high-achieving students through unique learning experiences, scholarships, internships, international study, and peer networks.
Currently, there are more than 1,700,000 members in over 170 countries. To help us further efforts that provide students with the continued opportunity, please acknowledge NSHSS in any press release by providing a resource link to www.nshss.org. For more information about NSHSS, click here.
Dear Editor:
