Statement from Assemblyman Barranco: Why I Will Not  Vote for a Pay Increase for the State Legislature

Frank L. Cahill
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Statement from Assemblyman Barranco: Why I Will Not  Vote for a Pay Increase for the State Legislature

MORRIS COUNTY — Statement from Assemblyman Barranco: Why I Will Not  Vote for a Pay Increase for the State Legislature:

“At a time when many individuals and families in New Jersey are struggling to make ends meet; and at a time when so many middle-class homeowners and business owners are suffering the crushing impact of the highest property taxes in the nation, it is the height of insensitivity for the state lawmakers to give themselves a 67 percent pay increase.

“Instead of thinking about themselves, the legislators should be thinking about the people paying the taxes and retirees who have not had a simple cost of living increase in 12 years.

“It is shameful that the legislators most responsible for the high cost of living in New Jersey – the legislators, who six months ago approved the biggest budget in state history – would now think of rewarding themselves rather than working to relieve the financial burden they have placed on their constituents.  

“I cannot in good conscience vote for a pay increase for the legislature until we start addressing the economic and tax issues that are harming New Jersey’s working people.” 

Parsippany Senior Center Welcomes All Seniors to Join ‘Lake Hiawatha Community Center Social Bingo Club

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Senior Center Welcomes All Seniors to Join ‘Lake Hiawatha Community Center Social Bingo Club

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Senior Center is home to the ”Lake Hiawatha Community Center Social Bingo Club.” 

If you are an older Parsippany resident and enjoy getting together with others to play Bingo, feel free to drop by and join us! You do not have to be a Lake Hiawatha resident to participate. Bingo is held every  Tuesday and Thursday, at 12:30 p.m., at the Parsippany Senior Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha.  

For any questions, please call the Office on Aging at (973) 263-7351. 

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, February 2024. Click here to view the magazine.

State of Emergency Declared; Flooding and High Winds Expected Tonight

Frank L. Cahill
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State of Emergency Declared; Flooding and High Winds Expected Tonight

PARSIPPANY — Governor Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency for the entire State of New Jersey effective 5:00 p.m. tonight due to anticipated heavy rains and winds. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch for Morris County, including Parsippany, from 1:00 p.m. today, through Wednesday afternoon. A high-wind advisory will be in effect from 5:00 p.m. through 3:00 a.m. tomorrow.

The storm is forecasted to bring heavy rain of 2 to 3 inches, with localized higher amounts of up to 4 inches possible later today and tonight, and winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. The Parsippany Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor the storm as it enters our area. 

Flooding is likely in low-lying areas. The ground remains very saturated following multiple rounds of heavy rainfall over the last month. The combination of snow melt and heavy rain may significantly elevate the flooding risk.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) has been out opening up catch basins in problem areas. All Township events scheduled for this evening are canceled and residents are urged to remain off the roads so first responders and public safety officials can safely respond to emergencies.

Please report power outages and downed wires to JCP&L at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), clicking the “Report Outage” click here, or by texting “OUT” to 544487.   

Residents may call The Township of Parsippany – Troy Hills Police Department at (973) 263-4300 to report non-emergency issues. For all emergencies, please call 911.

Senate Clears Pennacchio/Bucco Bill that Would Credit Students for Completing Fire Academy Courses

Frank L. Cahill
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Senate Clears Pennacchio/Bucco Bill that Would Credit Students for Completing Fire Academy Courses

MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco that would provide course credits for high school students who become volunteer firefighters was approved today by the New Jersey Senate.

“New Jersey is suffering from a severe shortage of first responders,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “By incentivizing high school students to become volunteer firefighters in their municipalities, students can earn credits to meet certain graduation requirements. This bill provides an innovative solution to reduce New Jersey’s firefighter shortage and promotes educational opportunities for students outside of the classroom.”

The legislation, S-3901, would permit students to be eligible for credits in health, safety, and physical education for completing a course at a county fire academy, provided they meet certain criteria.“Firefighting is a skilled profession that is necessary to ensure the safety of our communities,” Bucco added. “This bill enables students to receive their education while simultaneously serving as vital public servants.”To receive credits, a student must be between 16 and 18 years old, complete an examination to become a junior firefighter, and volunteer at their local fire department for two years.

Marotta Controls Named Lockheed Martin Elite Supplier

Frank L. Cahill
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Marotta Controls Named Lockheed Martin Elite Supplier

PARSIPPANY — Marotta Controls, a rapidly growing Aerospace and Defense supplier, announced that it received the Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) Elite Supplier Award today. This accolade takes into consideration a variety of factors, including delivery of reliable, quality parts, products, and services on time and at competitive prices; the alignment of supplier’s values with Lockheed Martin values; and the supplier’s track record of proactively solving problems. Marotta Controls’ Marine Business Unit is among 37 suppliers receiving this honor; honorees represent the top one percent of suppliers supporting the RMS business area.

“This most recent award acknowledges the strength of our long-standing relationship with Lockheed Martin as a whole in which trust, collaboration, and on-time/on-budget delivery have been standard practices, across divisions and programs,” said Bill Dimas, Vice President, Business Development, Marotta Controls. “Our work with the RMS division extends our commitment to Lockheed’s success, and our designation as an Elite Supplier recognizes the hard work and dedication that goes into ensuring that we deliver on our promises – every time.” 

Marotta’s Elite Supplier Award accomplishment is a result of Marotta’s contributions to the Aegis Combat System, the Navy’s most modern surface combat system. It was designed as a complete system: the missile launching element, the computer programs, the radar, and the displays are fully integrated to work together. This makes the Aegis system the first fully integrated combat system built to defend against advanced air and surface threats. Marotta has supplied three vital parts for Aegis:

  • Marotta’s Automatic Source Transfer Valve (ASTV) system provides digital control of chilled water from the main supply lines to mission-critical enclosures (MCE)
  • Marotta’s Integrated Electronic Controller (IEC) was developed to modernize auxiliary control functions within shipboard Mission Critical Enclosures (MCE)
  • Marotta’s MFV12 Motor Operated Valve Series provides proportional control of chilled water flow to ensure stable temperature control of the electronics within each Mission Critical Enclosure (MCE)

Marotta designs, develops, manufactures, and qualifies high-performance motion and flow control solutions for surface ships, submarines, and deep submergence vessels. The company’s components and systems meet stringent naval requirements and MIL standards for shock, vibration, low acoustic signature, and resistance to seawater corrosion. Having pioneered next-generation technologies that use advanced materials and embedded electronics, Marotta has reduced these critical parts’ weight, life cycle cost, size, and corrosion sensitivity.

Marotta has invested heavily in its relationship with Lockheed Martin. Over the past 13 years, the partnership has yielded:

  • The development of 20+ new products
  • Delivery of 40,000+ units
  • 6 franchise production programs
  • 18 current programs (11 development programs and 7 production programs)

For more information about the Marotta Controls marine system capabilities click here.

Ami Balli Named to Fall 2023 Dean’s List at Hofstra University

Frank L. Cahill
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Ami Balli Named to Fall 2023 Dean’s List at Hofstra University

PARSIPPANY — Ami Balli, a graduate of Morris Hills High School, excelled during the Fall 2023 semester at Hofstra, achieving a GPA of at least 3.5 to earn a spot on the Dean’s List. Ami’s major is Psychology.

Hofstra University is a dynamic community of nearly 11,000 students dedicated to civic engagement, academic excellence, and becoming leaders in their communities and their careers.

Students can choose from approximately 175 undergraduate program options and 200 graduate program options in the liberal arts and sciences, education, health professions and human services, the Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs, the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

Newark Man Faces Multiple Charges Including Human Trafficking and Child Endangerment

Frank L. Cahill
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Newark Man Faces Multiple Charges Including Human Trafficking and Child Endangerment

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Chief Thomas Miller of the Chatham Township Police Department have confirmed the charging of Nafis H. Wiggins, 25, of Newark.

Wiggins faces a litany of charges, including two counts of Human Trafficking (a first-degree crime), two counts of Luring (a second-degree crime), five counts of Sexual Assault (a second-degree crime), two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (a third-degree crime), Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) with Intent to Distribute (a third-degree crime), and Possession of a CDS (a third-degree crime) under N.J.S.A. statutes.

The charges stem from alleged actions between August 1 and September 28, 2023, during which Wiggins is accused of providing narcotics to two victims, aged 14 and 15, in exchange for sexual favors. He reportedly recruited and lured the minors through text messages. On several occasions, it is alleged that Wiggins met with the victims in Chatham Township and Chatham Borough, later transporting them in his vehicle to more isolated locations for drug use and sexual activities.

Wiggins was apprehended on December 19, 2023, at Cougar Field in Chatham Township, where he was found in possession of a controlled substance.

Following a detention hearing in compliance with the Criminal Justice Reform Act, the defendant was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility.

Individuals with information on this investigation are urged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at (973) 285-6200.

Prosecutor Carroll expresses gratitude to the Chatham Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their diligent efforts in the investigation and arrest.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the individual(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law

Collision on Littleton Road Involving Elderly Driver Results in Hospitalization

Frank L. Cahill
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Collision on Littleton Road Involving Elderly Driver Results in Hospitalization

PARSIPPANY — On Friday, December 22, at 11:13 a.m., a collision occurred when Ms. Anna Greenlees, 76, attempted to make a left turn from Brooklawn Drive onto Littleton Road (Route 202). The incident involved Mr. Tyrone Stevens, who was traveling south on Littleton Road.

During the collision, Ms. Greenlees’ vehicle struck the curb and veered off the roadway to the right, coming to a rest at that location. According to Ms. Greenlees, her attention was focused on the right, and she did not notice the approaching Mohawk Carpet Distribution tractor-trailer when she initiated her left turn onto Littleton Road. On the other hand, Mr. Stevens reported that he was driving straight on Littleton Road and observed Ms. Greenlees turning in front of him. He attempted to swerve but ultimately collided with her vehicle.

The investigating Parsippany-Troy Police Officer, Sean Golden, determined that Ms. Greenlees was at fault for the accident, citing her failure to yield the right of way and driver inattention as contributing factors.

Following the collision, Ms. Greenlees was transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital with injuries of unknown severity.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene by C&L Towing.

As of the time of this report, no summonses had been issued in connection with the incident.

Morris County Commissioner Stephen Shaw was Elected Secretary of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Commissioner Stephen Shaw was Elected Secretary of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw was elected Secretary of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) Board of Trustees at the January 8 meeting.

“I thank my fellow Board members for electing me and I look forward to serving on the Executive Committee,” Commissioner Shaw said. “The NJTPA provides a vital regional perspective on transportation issues, whether supporting the key role that freight plays in our local economy or prioritizing funding for much-needed local safety improvements, like those the county is studying for East Main Street/Mendham Road in Mendham Borough and Mendham Township and South Morris Street in the Town of Dover.”

The NJTPA oversees regional transportation planning and annually authorizes more than $1 billion in federal surface transportation funding for 13 counties in northern and central New Jersey.

The Executive Committee provides guidance and leadership to the full Board on a wide range of planning, policy, and administrative issues. It meets as needed to review financial, personnel, and policy matters. Board membership is an uncompensated position.

Commissioner Shaw has been in office since 2019 and joined the NJTPA Board in 2023, following the retirement of Morris County Commissioner Kathryn DeFillippo, who had previously represented the county on the board. This is his first time serving on the Executive Committee. He has also served as a member of the Planning & Economic Development Committee.

At the meeting, the NJTPA Board also selected four other members of its Executive Committee. The elected members of the Executive Committee are Ocean County Commissioner John P. Kelly, chair; Middlesex County Commissioner Charles Kenny, first vice-chair; and Warren County Commissioner Jason Sarnoski, second vice-chair. Following the bylaws, Chairman John W. Bartlett appointed Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski to the position of third vice-chair.

The NJTPA is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for 13 northern New Jersey counties. Under federal legislation, MPOs provide a forum where local officials, public transportation providers, and state agency representatives can come together and cooperatively plan to meet the region’s current and future transportation needs. It establishes the region’s eligibility to receive federal tax dollars for transportation projects.

The NJTPA Board consists of one local elected official from each of the 13 counties in the region (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren), and the cities of Newark and Jersey City. The Board also includes a Governor’s Representative, the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the Executive Director of NJ TRANSIT, the Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and a Citizen’s Representative appointed by the Governor.

Parsippany Man Arrested for Drunk Driving After Colliding with Parked Vehicle

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Man Arrested for Drunk Driving After Colliding with Parked Vehicle

PARSIPPANY — In a recent incident on Saturday, December 30 at 5:32 p.m. at Tivoli Gardens on Parsippany Boulevard, Bipin Patel, found himself in legal trouble after colliding with a parked vehicle. The details of the incident unfolded as follows:

Ms. Elizabeth Foster, the owner of the parked vehicle, a blue 2013 GMC Sierra, reported the crash. She claimed that Mr. Patel, who was driving a 2006 Black Honda CRV, collided with her truck. Upon police arrival, Patrolman Sean Abrusci observed the Honda parked diagonally across two parking spots.

Ms. Foster mentioned smelling alcohol on Mr. Patel’s breath and noted that he had attempted to back away from the accident multiple times before parking diagonally. This led the officer to approach Mr. Patel, who was still seated in his vehicle and detect the strong scent of alcohol.

During the subsequent conversation, Mr. Patel initially stated that a flat tire caused the accident but later admitted to using his cellphone’s GPS while driving. When questioned about his destination, he mentioned making a delivery and then said he was returning from work.

The officer noticed bloodshot and watery eyes and asked Mr. Patel to turn off the vehicle and step out. Mr. Patel’s impaired ability to stand, marked by swaying and staggering, led the officer to request backup.

Sergeant Edward Conklin arrived at the scene, and Patrolman Abrusci proceeded to conduct standard field sobriety tests, which Mr. Patel failed. Frustrated, Mr. Patel eventually confessed to being intoxicated.

Following his admission, Mr. Patel was transported to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters, where he was read his Miranda rights. During questioning, he admitted to buying and consuming a bottle of Bacardi from a local liquor store in the parking lot before driving.

An ALCOTEST (breath alcohol test) revealed Mr. Patel had a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .24%, well above the legal limit of 0.08% in New Jersey.

As a result of the incident, Mr. Patel faces several charges, including Operating Under the Influence (39:4-50), Reckless Driving (39:4-96), Use of a hand-held wireless telephone (39:4-97.3), and Traffic on marked lanes (39:4-88).

A witness also reported seeing Mr. Patel swerving in the northbound lane of Parsippany Boulevard.

Mr. Patel was released to a friend who read and signed the “John’s Law.”

He is scheduled to appear at Parsippany Municipal Court to address the charges filed against him.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the individual(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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