Veterans Begging for Soap at State-run Homes

Frank L. Cahill
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Veterans Begging for Soap at State-run Homes

MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblyman Brian Bergen was irate after discovering veterans in state-run facilities are begging for soap and other basic necessities while lawmakers spent lavishly on last-minute pork projects in the state budget passed in June.

“This is a stark and shameful reflection of skewed priorities and neglect,” said Bergen (R-Morris). “When the state is spending at historic levels, veterans in its care shouldn’t have to resort to panhandling to meet their basic needs.”

Bergen, a U.S. Army combat veteran, took issue with three wish lists posted on the state-run websites of the state veteran homes in Menlo Park, Vineland, and Paramus, which currently house 574 veterans. Donations of soap, deodorant, bed linens, denture care supplies, t-shirts, and tissues, among other basic care items, are being sought.

In September, The U.S Department of Justice and State Commission of Investigation issued reports documenting insufficient controls and medical care at the Menlo Park and Paramus facilities during the pandemic, which killed at least 200 residents.

“You’d think that after back-to-back scathing reports, there would be a better effort by the Murphy administration,” he continued.  “None of this would break the bank for the state to provide.”

Bergen emphasized that the disparity between the lavish state spending and the distressing plea for donations at the state homes was not just a failure but an outrage.

“Democrats hailed the state budget as a ‘statement of their values,’” said Bergen. “But in a state where historic expenditure seems to be the norm, the neglect and dire situation faced by those who have bravely served their country is an unconscionable travesty.”

Bergen emphasized that more than $1.5 billion was directed to Democrat legislative pet projects in the final weeks before the $54.3 billion state budget was adopted. The list includes $12 million for a French museum in Jersey City, $4 million for the Sewaren marina in Woodbridge, and a $500,000 dog park in Rahway.

Shortly after Gov. Phil Murphy signed the budget, Woodbridge officials announced that a 215-seat tiki bar would be part of the Sewaren marina project, which would largely be funded with state grants.

“All you have to do is look at the Democrats’ checkbook to figure out their priorities,” continued Bergen.  “While our soldiers beg for sweatpants, the state is constructing a tiki bar catering exclusively to yacht owners. That certainly doesn’t make New Jersey stronger or fairer.”

For now, Bergen is urging immediate intervention.

“It’s high time we honor our commitment to those who have selflessly served our nation,” Bergen concluded.  “I implore the state to swiftly reevaluate its priorities and ensure our veterans receive the dignity and care they have rightfully earned.”

Annual Tree Lighting in Parsippany: A Festive Evening with Santa

Frank L. Cahill
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Annual Tree Lighting in Parsippany: A Festive Evening with Santa

PARSIPPANY — The annual tree lighting in Parsippany is scheduled for Saturday, December 2, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Santa makes a grand entrance on a firetruck at 5:00 p.m. Music by Parsippany High School choirs.


Families will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa, and Santa’s helpers will be serving hot chocolate and cookies.

Hernandez Edges Ahead in Parsippany Council Race, Threatening GOP Streak

Frank L. Cahill
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Hernandez Edges Ahead in Parsippany Council Race, Threatening GOP Streak

PARSIPPANY — Last Tuesday, the Parsippany Council race initially saw Carifi, McGraft, and Kandil leading.

However, mail-in and provisional votes, counted on Wednesday, November 15, brought a significant change.

With 303 mail-in and 211 provisional ballots tallied, unofficial results indicate that Democrat Judy Hernandez has now edged ahead of Adam Kandil by one vote.

Paul Carifi, Jr. 4,642
Matt McGrath 4,568
Judy Hernandez 4,529
Adam Kandil 4,527
Matt Kavanagh 4,438
Bernard Clarkin 4,390

The current leading candidates are Paul Carifi, Jr., Matt McGraft, and Judy Hernandez. This could be the first Democratic win in Parsippany since 2017 when they won the mayoral race and two council seats.  The mayor, Michael Soriano, lost his seat in a rematch with his predecessor, James Barberio.

Parsippany Focus has learned that the Morris County Republican Club will be challenging the results. We will update as information becomes available.

Parsippany Council Debates PILOT Projects Amid Concerns Over Transparency and Impact on Schools

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Council Debates PILOT Projects Amid Concerns Over Transparency and Impact on Schools

PARSIPPANY  — Most of Thursday, November 9th’s Parsippany Council meeting focused on discussions about three proposed PILOT projects. PILOT, an acronym for Payments in Lieu of Taxes, relates to development incentives offered to developers.

The areas targeted for redevelopment are 2 and 3 Campus Drive and also 249 Pomeroy Road.  The Campus Drive locations would potentially include residential housing.  Pomeroy Road would be a potential warehouse.

“The office market is not going to pick up until 2035”, stated Mayor Barberio when he addressed the potential PILOT projects.  PILOTs are a tool the state legislatures gave municipalities to help with economic development and help with redevelopment projects, he explained.

Councilman Musella rebutted, saying that he objects to the process and the lack of information presented to the Council.  “The Financial Plan Agreement in Exhibit A is completely blank,” he noted.

Former Parsippany Township Attorney John Inglesino took the microphone in the public commentary section of the meeting to explain to the public what PILOT projects are and why they can be a benefit to the town.  He stated to meeting attendees and council members that these PILOT projects will not affect the school budget.  He stated that schools are protected and that these PILOTS will not impact the school budget. 

After Inglesino concluded, Councilman Frank Neglia thanked him and told him that he was very happy with his explanation and that he learned a lot from his presentation.

The motion to introduce the PILOT projects on the agenda was passed 4-1 with Musella being the lone vote against it.

Sherrill Continues Her Fight for SALT Relief in 2024 Budget Bill 

Frank L. Cahill
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Sherrill Continues Her Fight for SALT Relief in 2024 Budget Bill 

PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) introduced an amendment to the FY 2024 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations bill prohibiting the Internal Revenue Service from interfering in state and local tax (SALT) relief programs for hard-working, middle-class families. New Jersey was among the first states to provide such tax relief before their initiative was struck down by the IRS in 2019.

“The SALT cap is an unfair double tax on middle-class families that imposes billions of dollars in additional costs on New Jersey residents and makes it harder for our state to invest in critical services, such as public education and law enforcement,” said Rep. Sherrill. “I have consistently fought to make New Jersey a more affordable place to live and my amendment will allow states and localities to develop innovative policies that provide SALT relief and cut taxes for families by preventing the IRS from unjustly interfering in state-level SALT legislation.” 

The House Republican majority abruptly pulled the FSGG appropriations bill from consideration Thursday morning. 

In 2017, the GOP’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act imposed a harmful double tax and one of the largest marriage penalties in the tax code by capping the state and local tax deductions at $10,000 per household. In response, states such as New Jersey developed policies to provide tax relief to families by expanding access to the federal charitable deduction and helping small business owners to deduct their full SALT at the entity level. However, the IRS issued new regulatory guidance in 2019 restricting states from implementing these policies.

In May 2022, Rep. Sherrill led several of her House colleagues in a letter urging the House Appropriations Committee to include language in the FY 2023 Appropriations bill prohibiting the IRS from putting restrictions on SALT relief delivered by state and local governments. In July 2022, she also introduced an amendment to the House appropriations package preventing the IRS from restricting the ability of state and local governments to enact SALT relief. As part of her Jersey STRONG agenda, she also introduced the bipartisan Middle-Class Tax Relief Act in January 2023, which substantially raises the SALT deduction cap and fully eliminates the cap for 99% of NJ-11 families.

Letter to the Editor: John Inglesino Counters Criticism, Advocates for Parsippany’s Economic Development

Letters to the Editor
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Letter to the Editor: John Inglesino Counters Criticism, Advocates for Parsippany’s Economic Development

Dear Editor:

I am responding to the absurd letter to the editor written by Sam Labkovsky.   Having served as a Councilman, Mayor, Freeholder, Township attorney, planning board attorney, zoning board of adjustment attorney, municipal redevelopment attorney, and developer’s attorney over the past 32 years, I think I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two. One thing I know for sure is that when you can’t talk about the issues, you through mud at the people.  That’s what Mr. Labkovsky’s letter is designed to do. I don’t know Mr. Labkovsky’s educational or professional background because he didn’t provide them.  But I suspect he would have showcased them if he had any credentials to support the absurdity of his commentary.  

I comment here as a Parsippany resident, voter, and as a 14-year business owner in the Township. The views expressed are mine and not those of my clients. The fact is that Parsippany is going to see big tax increases if it doesn’t repurpose its vacant and obsolete office and industrial buildings into revenue-generating properties.  Such should be self-evident. Parsippany needs revenue!  If market forces on their own would fix the problem, then it would have been fixed. The fact is that these challenges are not new, and Parsippany needs to be proactive and do something to transform these properties.  Otherwise, hold onto your wallets – because taxes will skyrocket.  

It is precisely instances when the market doesn’t produce the desired results that NJ has programs through the NJ Redevelopment and Housing Law, and the Long-Term Tax Exemption Law, to assist the town in attracting projects that will transform blighted properties into revenue-generating, job-creating, and amenity-making properties which benefit Parsippany taxpayers. Other municipalities have successfully used these programs to great advantage for their communities. That’s what the Mayor and majority of the Council are doing – using existing laws and proven economic development programs to increase revenues into town hall so that taxes don’t skyrocket. 

I spoke out at the November 9th Council meeting on PILOTS. I will not go through that again here. You can watch for yourself on the Township’s website (or click here). I also wrote an article about this subject which was published in the April 2022 edition of the Parsippany Focus. Read it! (Click here to read the article on Page 18)

Rather than addressing the merits of the issues, Mr. Ladkovsky opted to engage in the tried and true method of political smear. Regrettably, this method has had some success in Parsippany. But, I’m no longer constrained because I don’t sit on the Council dais. As such, I will engage and challenge the political mudslingers. Let’s up the level of debate.   Let’s discuss what’s in Parsippany’s best interest and stop the juvenile political smear games.  

John P. Inglesino 

Letter to the Editor: Barberio’s PILOT Proposal Sparks Controversy at Parsippany Council Meeting

Frank L. Cahill
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Letter to the Editor: Barberio’s PILOT Proposal Sparks Controversy at Parsippany Council Meeting

Dear Editor:

Well, Well, Well…. 

Once again, under Mayor Barberio’s “leadership,” it was forward to the past at last week’s Town Council meeting.

On the agenda was Barberio’s latest proposed sweetheart deal calling for 3 PILOTS (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) desperately wanted, and in fact, demanded by developers who appear to be frothing at the bit to build two apartment complexes and a warehouse on what the Mayor derisively calls distressed and blighted Parsippany locations. No doubt these properties are in need of development and could provide an opportunity to increase the town’s ratables but to suggest that the only way those properties will be developed is by caving into the developers demanding PILOTS is sheer chicanery.   

If the Town Council caves into the developer’s self-serving demands, the developers will then be able to reduce their Parsippany property taxes by 60% and the 40% they will actually have to pay will go to the municipality and not to the separately tax-funded town entities such as Parsippany’s schools, fire districts and libraries. 

What does that mean to Parsippany taxpayers?  Well for one thing if, as is likely, families with school-age children, move into the two proposed apartment complexes, then the millions of dollars that will be required to expand the already crowded schools and provide the additional staff will have to come from Parsippany’s tax paying residents with not a cent coming from the developers.

At the Town Council meeting a number of facts became readily apparent: 

Fact #1: Councilman Paul Carifi had the audacity to state that he would personally ensure that the schools, libraries, and fire districts would not be negatively impacted by the PILOTS. That suggests that Mr. Carifi is woefully ignorant of Parsippany’s tax structure and/or is cavalierly dismissive of Parsippany’s already overtaxed residents.

Fact#2: Councilman Frank Neglia who should have known better fell all over himself praising John Inglesino, the developers’ highly paid attorney. Of all of the Council members Mr Neglia, a former Board of Education member and past Board  President, should have had the guts to stand up to Mr. Inglesino and ask the tough questions that needed to be asked. Mr Neglia’s failure to do so only reinforces the widespread belief that he is under the Mayor’s control and is not independently committed to serving the best interests of Parsippany residents.

Fact#3: Councilman dePierro was absolutely giddy about the prospect of the PILOTS and couldn’t seem to control himself from frequently interjecting his pro-PILOT comments when Councilman Musella was trying to get clarification from Mr. Inglesino. One can only wonder why Mr. DePierro is so intent on burnishing his now-tarnished legacy of enabling Mayor Barberio’s self-serving practices and policies.

Fact#4 The casually dressed John Inglesino is back out in the open in Parsippany salivating at another chance to add to the millions of taxpayer dollars he was paid by Barberio when Mr. Inglesino was Parsippany’s Township Attorney. This is the same John Inglesino, who was brought up on Ethics Complaints by the previously mentioned Councilman Carifi. 

Fact#5: Speaking of town attorneys, Mr. Michael Lavery, the current Township Attorney, was absolutely silent throughout and after Mr. Inglesino’s pro-PILOT and anti-Parsippany presentations.

Fact#5: The fix is in. With Carifi, Neglia, and dePierro already signaling their support for the PILOTs and with Barberio and Inglesino once again partnering to line the lawyer’s pockets and the Mayor’s campaign coffers, what chance do the residents of Parsippany have of defeating the PILOTS? 

Absolutely none unless those residents make their voices heard above the din of the self-serving greed and ignorance of Parsippany’s Mayor and his rubber stamps on the Town Council.

Bob Crawford

Election Outcome: 11 Vie for Three Parsippany Board of Education Positions

Frank L. Cahill
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Election Outcome: 11 Vie for Three Parsippany Board of Education Positions

PARSIPPANY  — The competition for the Parsippany Board of Education was intense, featuring 11 candidates vying for just three available seats. Cassandra Cogan withdrew from the race upon her acceptance into the “European Master in Global Studies” (EMGS) program.

Newcomer Wendy Wright emerged as the leading vote-receiver, with Timothy Berrios and Andy Choffo securing the subsequent spots.

Matthew DeVitto and Kendra Von Achen’s terms end on December 31 as well as Deborah Orme, who chose not to seek re-election.

Wendy Wright2,569
Andy Choffo2,287
Timothy Berrios2,278
Matthew DeVitto2,224
Nicole Dellafave2,020
Nilesh Bagdai1,711
Balakrishna Samaga1,541
Falgun Bakhtarwala1,527
Deitria Snead1,496
Kendra Von Achen1,449
Cassandra Cogan1,246
Lily Benavides630

The current members of the Board include:

Mrs. Alison Cogan (2025) President
Mrs. Sheethal Abraham (2024)
Mr. Matthew DeVitto (2023)
Mrs. Susy Golderer (2024) Vice President
Mrs. Judy Mayer (2024)
Mrs. Deborah Orme (2023)
Mr. Jack Raia (2025)
Mrs. Michelle Shappell (2025)
Kendra Von Achen (2023)

The board is made up of nine members who are appointed or elected by registered voters of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township. Board members are residents of Parsippany and are elected to serve three-year terms. The nine members also elect a Board President and Vice-President by a majority vote.

Editors Note: Results are unofficial. Early Voting and Initial Mail-In Ballots Counted and await Final Mail-In and Provisional Ballot Results.

Letter to the Editor: Parsippany Resident Alarmed by Hasty Council Development Deal

Letters to the Editor
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Letter to the Editor: Parsippany Resident Alarmed by Hasty Council Development Deal

Dear Editor:

I am a more than 22-year Parsippany resident who doesn’t attend Council or other municipal meetings. However, I participated in the November 9th Council meeting called with very little notice, and I now suspect the last-minute nature of the gathering was to keep as many residents in the dark as possible about a pending construction development deal that will cost taxpayers millions. This meeting reminded me of what happened one year ago when the issue of PLA was discussed. 

I can call it PLA Part 2. 

The meeting’s order of business was the establishment of a long-term tax exemption plan for three “Payment in Lieu of Taxes” (better known as PILOTs) to certain developers looking to build two large-scale apartment complexes and one warehouse in town. In short, the Mayor-sponsored measure up for approval is nothing more than taxpayer-funded development that will unleash a deteriorating quality of life, higher local taxes, and strained municipal services. 

At the beginning of this last-minute meeting, Mayor Barberio argued how wonderful this project is and how important it is to support developers during these economic times. 

The Mayor contends Parsippany has no future without his taxpayer-funding arrangement and without providing the Council or constituents with any credible and supportive facts or figures. He just offered fear-based statements and empty promises of benefit at the meeting. 

After Mayor Barberio’s pitch, John Inglesino reiterated the same previous basic talking points the Mayor delivered. 

As a resident who never goes to municipal meetings, I didn’t really know who Mr. Inglesino was at the meeting, but one thing was clear to me: He is no stranger to the Barberio and Carifi clan. 

Mr. Inglesino gave evasive answers to specific questions from Councilman Justin Musella and tried to convince everyone that everything would be good for Parsippany’s future and its residents if the deal was approved by the Council. 

While the other council people kowtowed to the Mayor’s sales pitch, only Justin Musella raised smart questions and tried to understand how good this project could be for residents. All other Councilors didn’t make one peep, they just bobbed their heads in agreement – I’m interested WHY???

After Barberio and Inglesino’s marketing presentation, residents present were allowed to speak. Residents had A LOT of comments and questions:

 1)    Why is it necessary to give developers a break from taxes while township residents struggle to keep up with annual tax increases?

2)    Why does this need to be done so quickly?

All attending residents and Councilman Musella voiced suspicion and disagreement with the Mayor’s burdensome initiative. And again, the Mayor could not give one substantive, clear, fact-backed answer to any of our questions.  

I still kept asking myself why would a Republican, self-proclaimed fiscal disciplined mayor impose something so burdensome upon his constituents. Then, I later learned that Mr. Inglesino was the “shadow Mayor” and Parsippany township attorney working under Barberio between 2010-2018.

Come on Mayor Barberio and complicit Council members Carifi, Neglia, dePierro, and Gragnani, you must do better for your residents than to prioritize political operatives and your connected friends over the welfare of your residents. 

I urge all Parsippany residents to stop what they’re are doing and voice opposition to this taxpayer-funded project that Mayor Barberio is trying to shove down our throats for the sake of YOUR future ability to afford to stay in town.  

This measure will hit your wallets like a bulldozer for years to come —long after residents are able to vote these entrenched, self-serving council people out.

Please attend the Tuesday, November 21 Council meeting at 7 pm to say NO to developer giveaways! 

Signed: 

Sam Labkovsky

Community Unites at Adath Shalom Screening: ‘Repairing OUR World – United Against Hate’

Frank L. Cahill
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Community Unites at Adath Shalom Screening: ‘Repairing OUR World – United Against Hate’

MORRIS COUNTY — Repairing OUR World – United Against Hate kicks off United Against Hate week featuring the screening of the riveting documentary, “Repairing the World – Stories from the Tree of Life” which will be held on Sunday, November 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Adath Shalom, 841 Mountain Way, Morris Plains.  The event is co-sponsored by more than 15 synagogues, churches, Morris County Human Relations Commission, Diversity Council of Morris County, Parsippany Interfaith Council, and Randolph PEACE.

As the Pittsburgh community was experiencing grief and fear, neighbors came together, drawing upon connections to meet fear with courage, adopting the slogan “Stronger than Hate”.  A diverse community worked to heal from the impacts of antisemitism, racism, hate speech, etc. The film gives voice to a multi-faith, multicultural cross-section of Pittsburgh survivors, family members, leaders, and community members to show the power of unity in crisis.

The powerful program features a story of hope and how we can do something to stop the spread of hate in our local communities where united we can effectively make a change that can be felt in people’s lives.  It is a beautiful redefinition of what it means to be a good neighbor and community member.

Click here to register.

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