Debate Questions for Council Candidates:

1. Pride in Parsippany is an important part of why many choose our Township as their home. Why did you decide to settle in Parsippany, and what makes you proud to be a resident?

Like many of us, I moved to Parsippany because it was a remarkable, special place with residents who were proud to call this Township our home. We were blessed with some of the best municipal services in the county coupled with relatively low taxes and an atmosphere that made living here truly a pleasure. Residents have always been proud to voice their support for fellow residents no matter the crisis or situation. We are truly blessed to live in this community of caring, wonderful individuals, and settling here was the single best decision my wife and I ever made.

2. Tell us about your family life and what living in Parsippany means to you.

Elyse and I have been proud residents of Parsippany for over 40 years, happily enjoying the atmosphere that our local community provides. Parsippany was a perfect place to raise my son, Corey, with many of the positive values that residents stand for being imprinted on him making him the man he is today. I can say without a doubt, Parsippany is one of the kindest, peaceful, and welcoming Townships in all the state. For this, I am eternally grateful.

3. What is your primary motivation to serve the residents of Parsippany as a Councilmember?

Unfortunately, the current administration has embarked on policies and behavior that have been a substantial threat to much of what makes Parsippany, Parsippany. Higher taxes, reduced services, political cronyism and nepotism, utility mismanagement, and Township employees facing a record-low morale problem are just to name a few. On the Board of Education, we made some tough decisions, but I always voted for what I believed was right ensuring that residents were getting the best for their money. With the right management in Town Hall, I believe that we can get ourselves back to a position where for every tax dollar in revenue we receive, residents will get back at least a dollars’ worth of value in return.

4. What qualities and platform positions set you apart from your opponents?

I have served our country in one way or another for the better part of my life, I understand that service to your county, community, and family, is about making sacrifices and putting others before yourself. The only two candidates with military and law enforcement experience running for municipal office in Parsippany are me and Lou Valori, and with Justin Musella and his experience in the private sector, our team has the experience and vision to bring Parsippany into financial maturity.

5. The Township Council has an important role in acting as a check on the executive branch, how would you continue to ensure proper governance in your role as a Councilmember and prevent executive overreach?

As a Board of Education member, I always voted my conscience. If something didn’t seem right, I made sure to ask questions and investigate whether that proposed action would benefit our students. I want to bring this same mindset to the Township Council, providing an independent voice for residents. I will put a stop to the mocking attitude of the current administration toward constituent concerns as we have seen from some recent Township Council videos. Working with my colleagues, we will act in our capacity as a check on the administration and make sure that each action taken will benefit those in our communities rather than campaign donors or political allies.

6. As a Councilmember, how would you ensure that the financial position of the Township improves and what would you do to keep residential tax rates reasonable?

My first action as a Councilmember would be to empower the Finance Committee to assess whether efficiencies are being made at the department level. This task won’t be easy but will give the Council an overview of how exactly taxpayer money is being spent, without the Administration obscuring information through the shadowed lens of the budget process. Our team would also push to have a review done of all legal billing in the future to prevent the Township from being overcharged. I would also have an open-door policy at any time for all department heads to voice concerns or to give insight on operations. Information has historically been blocked from the Administration to the Council and I believe this practice should end.

7. Recently, a disagreement between the bipartisan Township Council and the current administration on a proposed $5M bond to balance the budget has been made public. Where do you stand on using bonds to balance the budget and how would you vote on this proposal with current information made to the public?

I do not believe that it is in the best interest of our residents to go down the slippery slope of borrowing to balance the budget, especially when the Township has made little to no effort to curb expenditures. Rising costs are affecting all residents, and while I can understand Mayor Soriano’s desire to mitigate a large tax increase in an election year to preserve his future political career, it ultimately will cause a spike in the tax rate in the years to come. We all know we cannot indefinitely spend money that the Township isn’t collecting and pass loans off as revenue to cover the gaps. Parsippany has exhausted its utility surplus and led to massive rate increases that taxpayers just cannot afford at this moment – a return to fiscal stability is sorely needed. With the available information, I would vote no and work with the Administration and other council members to find an acceptable and reasonable solution to the crisis.

8. Since 2018, the Township Council has become a legislative chamber where respect between members is encouraged regardless of party affiliation or political position. How will you continue to contribute to this positive atmosphere and assure that this continues?

Whether you are a resident, an elected official, or somebody who works in our town, I believe you should be treated with the respect you deserve. I will listen to my colleagues, I will take advice from those willing to give it, and I will act in the best interest of all who live here – my goal is to do the right thing and I am happy to work with all who are looking to do the same.

9. Do you believe the Township Council should take an expanded role in engaging Town Hall on behalf of residents and advocating for their concerns? Would you support office hours during the week for Council members to meet with residents and address their concerns? Specifically, address poor follow-up by the Township in relation to constituency services.

Follow-up is everything, without it all that results are broken promises and disappointment. I would support the overhaul of the Mayor’s Action Center, working with the administration to ensure residential concerns and constituent requests are answered and resolved in a timely fashion. Office hours for Councilmembers would further this, giving another avenue for residents to request help – this time with the support of their elected representatives. All over town, stories of calls unanswered and issues unresolved have spread – residents deserve better. Our team will put the taxpayers first.

10. Tell us about your work experience and how it will assist you in being a member of the Township Council in Parsippany.

My time on the Board of Education was marked by strong cooperative action that may not have always resulted in the most popular decisions made, but always the right ones, at least in my opinion. Our schools today are a big reason many new families pick Parsippany as the place to raise their children and make a new life. I intend on bringing that vision of forward-thinking and compromise to a Township council that will surely be missing it should our opponents be elected. In my Naval career, dealing with high-pressure situations without breaking and ensuring that things were “ship-shape” was no small order. Following this, my time as a police officer was served with distinction, as I worked my way through the ranks to achieve the role of Police Captain while also earning the Police Medal of Honor. Putting other people before myself was a hallmark of my service to the nation, both in the United States Navy and as a police officer, and I intend on continuing doing exactly that in the Township Council. My whole life has been dedicated to public service in one way or another, and this experience making sure the right decisions are made regardless of outside pressure are exactly the qualities we require in our local government.

11. There are five candidates running for the two available council seats.  What sets you apart from the other candidates and why should Republican voters support you on June 8?

Justin Musella and I, along with Lou Valori running for Mayor, have spent the past few months going door to door all over town, listening to concerns, and answering questions from residents. Hearing about neighbors all around town struggling to deal with massive rate hikes and tax increases without an accompanying increase in the quality of our services is heartbreaking. My opponents in the GOP primary mean well and I’m sure want the best for the town, but our team is laser-focused with experience and ideas that will do well to fix the township. After the primary, we all need to come together, Republicans and Democrats, and prevent the current Administration from continuing to push its damaging policies to the Township we all love.

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Debate Questions for Council Candidates:

1. Pride in Parsippany is an important part of why many choose our Township as their home. Why did you decide to settle in Parsippany, and what makes you proud to be a resident?

When searching for a new home in this area, I loved the unique character of this township. With an incredible business community, unparalleled school system, and a sense of neighborhood character that is welcoming to all —I thought this would be a perfect place to settle with my girlfriend, Courtney, and maybe raise a family down the road. Like many residents, it’s not hard to be proud of Parsippany, there’s just so much to love.

2. Tell us about your family life and what living in Parsippany means to you.

Courtney and I have been together for two loving years, in which we have moved in together in order to begin the next stage of our lives. My parents, Angela and Joe always raised me to find a positive view of things, and even with this mindset, I am so happy to call Parsippany my home. Parsippany is a place for personal growth, an opportunity to give back to the community, and a place where one can live a fulfilling and productive life happily.

3. What is your primary motivation to serve the residents of Parsippany as a Councilmember?

As we settled into our new home, we were taken aback at how often neighbors voiced their concerns about our local government, repeatedly talking about issues with the new administration. Curious, I decided to speak to more residents and see if these issues were affecting other people around town. Time after time, the same concerns kept coming up – the unacceptable 40% water rate increase, the decline in our quality of life, and the uncontrolled overdevelopment wreaking havoc in our communities. Stories of the current administration ignoring the input of residents and in some cases, the Mayor belittling them at Council meetings, sadden me greatly. In this, I find my greatest motivation to run. When elected officials behave this way, it’s paramount that residents have a representative that will give them a voice, and that is exactly what I will do.

4. What qualities and platform positions set you apart from your opponents?

I have had a productive career in the private sector since I was old enough to work, with a productive and rewarding career to show for it. Bringing my business insight to the Council will give a much-needed perspective to our local government, especially during the budget process. Also, as a renter and millennial, I would be the first Councilmember to represent those growing populations in our town. Given that 55% of our population is under 44 years of age and 37% are renters, I feel that giving them a voice is critical to ensuring full representation.

5. The Township Council has an important role in acting as a check on the executive branch, how would you continue to ensure proper governance in your role as a Councilmember and prevent executive overreach?

Historically, the Township Council has done much to prevent the mayor from inappropriately acting beyond his power. I would continue this practice, ensuring proper governance at the local level and preventing any decisions that would ultimately harm our residents. Residents would be free to voice their concerns and thoughts about important issues affecting the town, with their input ultimately having an impact on the final decision. For too long, major decisions have been made without this important stakeholder having any input, and that will end if I am elected.

6. As a Councilmember, how would you ensure that the financial position of the Township improves and what would you do to keep residential tax rates reasonable?

We’ve all seen the headlines about massive overspending on legal services or the proliferation of political hires in cushy civil service jobs, these practices need to stop, period. Without a serious look on how and where the Township is spending its money, no progress can be made on reducing our structural deficit. My priority will be to work with the Administration in finding ways that we can improve the efficiency of our services, while also reducing expenditures. I would also make sure that the Township no longer relies on the siphoning of utility revenues to balance the budget as this practice hides the total cost of government and prevents serious efforts to keep taxes low.

7. Recently, a disagreement between the bipartisan Township Council and the current administration on a proposed $5M bond to balance the budget has been made public. Where do you stand on using bonds to balance the budget and how would you vote on this proposal with current information made to the public?

In the accounting world, creative accounting ultimately ends in tears. Borrowing and representing this as revenue is not a generally accepted accounting practice and is not recognized by the state as per the municipal budget guidelines. It is important that the township begin to reduce expenditures and find new sources of revenue to fill the gaps left by COVID and three years of serious financial mismanagement. I would vote no on the bond as proposed unless the administration can provide more information on why it’s necessary and how they propose to start paring down the structural deficit.

8. Since 2018, the Township Council has become a legislative chamber where respect between members is encouraged regardless of party affiliation or political position. How will you continue to contribute to this positive atmosphere and assure that this continues?

Respect should be a given, whether you’re a resident or an elected official. Without it, our democracy ceases to function, an issue that plagues municipalities like ours across the state. I believe in consensus building and cooperation between members of the Council in order to rebuild our Township so that it works for all residents. As an elected member of the Council, I will listen to the concerns of other members, while also making sure that the priorities of residents are heard and acted on. Once the Council starts working together again, we will be one step closer to finding ways to fix our dysfunctional local government.

9. Do you believe the Township Council should take an expanded role in engaging Town Hall on behalf of residents and advocating for their concerns? Would you support office hours during the week for Council members to meet with residents and address their concerns? Specifically, address poor follow-up by the Township in relation to constituency services.

In the private sector, poor follow-up can often damage the reputation and standing of a business, leading it to fail. Sadly, for many residents, our current Administration has been operating without this fear, leading to calls unanswered and residents desperate for assistance. Major changes need to be made to the Mayor’s Action Center, with more accountability and heightened transparency to assure adequate performance. To support residents further, I would also recommend and participate in office hours during the week for Councilmembers. This would give residents another avenue to request assistance, especially if they cannot get anywhere with the Mayor’s Action Center.

10. Tell us about your work experience and how it will assist you in being a member of the Township Council in Parsippany.

In my field of work, a core part of my office day is bringing people together with different skill sets and opinions. Finding a consensus is not always easy, but with a diversity of opinion and dedicated individuals, productive decisions can often result in the right leadership. While in the past the Township Council has been a battleground for much disagreement and discussion, recently the atmosphere has changed in a more positive way. I would like to continue this and find constructive ways to improve the lives of our residents instead of petty infighting.

11. There are five candidates running for the two available council seats.  What sets you apart from the other candidates and why should Republican voters support you on June 8?

While there is no doubt that the candidates running against Gary Martin and I are decent, honorable people, we are the only ones with the vision to transform our local government for the benefit of all residents. With Gary Martin as my running mate and Lou Valori running for Mayor, our team has a wide array of experience that can be used to ensure services run smoother, make employees more productive, and residents feeling that sense of pride in their government return. With your support we can begin the process of “Cleaning up Parsippany” but this time, for real.

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Debate Questions for Mayoral Candidates:

We are running under the banner “PARSIPPANY FIRST”

1. Pride in Parsippany is an important part of why many choose our Township as their home. Why did you decide to settle in Parsippany, and what makes you proud to be a resident?

Parsippany is a remarkable place to residents, a thriving community of residents from many different backgrounds where nobody is made to feel out of place. With so much to offer, it was a no-brainer in choosing to raise my family here in Parsippany, with a strong school system and the charming character of all the different neighborhoods in town. Even in a time of crisis like during Hurricane Sandy, our residents came together to support those in need. When there is a house fire or another family crisis in town, we all band together and work to make sure those affected are alright. It is exactly this kind of atmosphere that makes me proud to be a Parsippany resident, something that I am thankful for every single day.

2. What is your primary motivation to serve the residents of Parsippany as Mayor?

In one form or another, much of my life has been spent representing and protecting our community. As a Parsippany Detective Sergeant, I heard firsthand many of the struggles residents faced day to day and worked to keep our community safe. In my role as a member of the Board of Education, I worked diligently to ensure that our children are safe in schools while continuing the world-class education that they receive here in our Township. As Council President, I fought to keep our taxes low while keeping the administration at the time honest on the concerns of our residents. In collaboration with the Board of Education, my leadership was instrumental in placing police officers in our school districts to protect our children. I want to continue this service as Mayor, putting our residents first and keeping my promise to fix the disastrous tenure of Mayor Soriano.

3. What qualities and platform positions set you apart from your opponent?

While I believe my opponent is a decent man, an important distinction between us is our approach to leadership and problem-solving. Our differing emphasis on getting Parsippany back into financial maturity and cleaning up the mismanagement from the Soriano administration is apparent in our proposals. Reenergizing our municipal utilities and making them more attractive to nearby towns for potentially shared service agreements will help keep future rate hikes low. To prevent overbilling, all legal bills should be thoroughly examined, just like other contractual obligations. Keeping tax hikes to a minimum during this crisis will require budgetary discipline and new ideas that have not been implemented in Parsippany before.

4. What is the first action you will take as Mayor should you be elected?

Eliminating the mayor’s personal use of a Township car and reducing my salary to show solidarity with residents affected by unreasonable tax increases will be the first action I take. While the Township must make efficiencies, I believe that budget cuts should begin with those at the top of leadership for real change to be made in keeping expenses reasonable. There is no reason why the Mayor of Parsippany should be making more than the Mayor of Jersey City.

5. Allegations of nepotism have marked a shadow on past Republican and Democratic administrations dating back to the last century, will you make a commitment to stop this practice in the future?

Nepotism as a practice should end regardless of the party affiliation of the administration that pursues it. Employee morale is lowered, budgets are negatively affected, and is flat-out unethical no matter how you frame it. My administration will end this expensive practice while also ensuring that our government continues to provide some of the most skilled municipal employees for residential services anywhere in the state.

6. Public confidence in our police department has been shaken over the past ten years as a result of multiple whistleblower lawsuits and allegations of impropriety at the top, how would you address this and bring back trust in our local law enforcement?

In my time as a Parsippany police sergeant, I was assigned to the department of internal affairs where I investigated allegations of misconduct by officers and civilians. In addition to this, I was also responsible for the development and analysis of information affecting the integrity and internal security of the department. This gives me a unique perspective on how to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future while keeping our police effective and free from corruption. If any improprieties were to occur in the future, I would make sure that all parties are treated with respect and in a manner to be prescribed by the law. Whistleblowers should not be mistreated, especially if they are acting in the best interest of the Township and its residents.

7. Parsippany has earned a reputation for poor fiscal management coupled with short-term budgetary thinking, which steps would you take to change this and bring Parsippany back into financial maturity? Specifically, address recent increases in utility rates and higher than expected tax increases over the past few years.

Ensuring the budget is well-spent is a top priority, especially with the unacceptable increases in utility rates and municipal taxes burdening our residents. COVID has resulted in considerable difficulties for many taxpayers and our administration should be doing all that it can to lessen this. Instead of wasting Township resources giving out contracts to political donors or fighting to borrow money to cover the deficit made worse over the past three years, my administration will work to modernize the way our government works with cost-effective solutions. With the support of the Township Council, serious efforts must be taken in finding acceptable resolutions in reducing expenditures with minimal impact to residential services.

8. Overdevelopment has been a staple of campaigns on both sides of the aisle with truly little in the way of tangible action being taken by Town Hall. How would you ensure that any new development meets the needs of the township while balancing the needs of current residents? Specifically, address the use of PILOT programs and their benefits/costs to residents.

It seems every election year, promises are made to reduce development with little to no action taken once the election ends. While this has been a staple of Parsippany campaigning over recent history, this administration has been the most egregious in doing this. Running an entire campaign on preventing overdevelopment, Soriano has presided over some of the heaviest redevelopment this township has ever seen. This is bad enough, not to mention the PILOT programs that prevent our schools from being fully funded to keep the developers happy. Not only will my administration hold the line on unnecessary new developments, but we will work to eliminate the use of PILOT programs where possible.

9. In the past, relations between Town Hall and the Township Council have been less than desirable, what actions will take to ensure this improves in your administration?

While I am disappointed to see the Soriano administration pick unnecessary fights with the Township Council, including some with his own former running mates, it does not come to me as a surprise. As Mayor, I would individually meet with council members on a regular basis to take advice and work towards solving pressing residential issues in a collaborative fashion.

10. In the 2017 election, Township Attorney John Inglesino played a major role in the voter’s decision. The Township experienced unusually high legal bills and lawsuits.  Do you have any intention of bringing Mr. Inglesino, Justin Marchetta, or other members of the firm Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala & Taylor, to Parsippany as Town Attorney?

I will not hire Mr. Inglesino, Justin Marchetta, or any other members of the firm Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala & Taylor, as Parsippany Town Attorney.

11. If you fail to win the support of residents and lose the election, what advice would you give to the victor?

My advice to him would be to try and approach his old seat with a new perspective and place residents first. Our taxpayers are struggling under the burden of the past three years of mismanagement, tough decisions will need to be made. Not all of them will be popular in the short term, but if done right residents will thank you.

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Debate Questions for Council Candidates:

1. Pride in Parsippany is an important part of why many choose our Township as their home. Why did you decide to settle in Parsippany, and what makes you proud to be a resident?

I moved to Parsippany when I was nine years old, and I’ve chosen to remain here ever since because of how deeply I care about this Township that embraced me when I was a child.  With our great schools and sense of community, I was proud to raise my family here.  I believe in Parsippany, and want to ensure that our residents always know that their Council is fighting hard to make their Township the best it can be.

2. Tell us about your family life and what living in Parsippany means to you.

I’ve been fortunate to live in Parsippany for 55 years. I’ve raised my family of 5 here with my wife and I am proud to call Parsippany home. To me, our Township has always been about people working hard, supporting each other, and trying to make our community the best it can be for our families. Living in a place that instilled that spirit in my kids has always been important to me, and Parsippany has never let me down. I am happy that my children had the chance to participate in our sports leagues and develop the comradery with their friends that were so important to me when I was growing up – I still have many close friends in town who I played ball with our youth. I’m glad that my family can enjoy the impressive array of amenities and restaurants that make Parsippany a regional destination.  I feel fortunate to have grown up here and to live in a place with so much to offer my family

3. What is your primary motivation to serve the residents of Parsippany as a Councilmember?

I’ve been proud to serve as the Parsippany Board of Education President.  One of the main reasons Parsippany is such a great place to live and raise children is because of the schools, its teachers, and the structures we have in place to support our students. Despite our great schools, the Township as a whole would greatly benefit from our governing bodies – the Township Council and Board of Education – working more closely together.  Both bodies work for the betterment of the community, but together, they can work on tackling the budget issues that drive property taxes, while still ensuring our schools and our community needs are protected.   With my experience and close relationships on the Board of Education, I know that, if elected, I can bridge our governments and ensure efficient, effective government for all the citizens of Parsippany.

Tackling overdevelopment is an imperative that must be addressed. The problems with overdevelopment extend beyond the strain on traffic, utilities, and other infrastructure.  These high-density projects have s significant effect on our schools, many of which are already at capacity.  If something is not done, we face overcrowding, program cuts to non-mandated programs, such as music, arts, sports, and kindergarten. It’s just a matter of time.  While we can’t stop development, we can certainly be much smarter about the projects that we approve and their impact on our school districts.

In addition, I am running to restore fiscal responsibility to our Township. Taxes have gone up dramatically over the last 3 years, and I will demand to know why. The current mayor engaged in a spending spree, adding unnecessary positions, failed to protect our sewer and water rates and has not or cannot explain what happened to the sewer and water fund.  Our surplus has been depleted and this administration needs to explain why.

I fear that other important government funds, such as the Open space trust fund, could be next to be depleted.  Shared services with the Board of Education, such as the SRO’s and school security could face elimination.  We need to put a stop to this.  We need to streamline government, eliminate newly created patronage jobs, and ensure that our resources are allocated where they are truly needed.  It’s time for Parsippany to stand up and demand good government and fiscal responsibility.

4. What qualities and platform positions set you apart from your opponents?

My professional experience includes project management for the Weichert Family of Companies’ construction-related activities and most recently as the Director of Operations and Facilities Management for The Connection for Women and Families, a New Jersey non-profit organization.  Coupled with my tenure on the Board of Education, including my service as Board President, I’ve developed budgeting and organizational skills that I would deploy as a member of the Township Council to ensure that all Council expenditures contemplate what is in the best interest of our Township, both from a policy and fiscal standpoint.  My career and public service have also honed my ability to work effectively with groups, organize and evaluate projects, and streamline and cut out wasteful spending.

With our current administration seems determined to not just squander our surplus, but to saddle our residents with severe tax increases, these skills are more important now than ever to ensure our taxpayers are protected from an administration known for runaway spending.  I will also use my leadership skills to build coalitions against overdevelopment and in favor of ensuring that our utility funds are secured.

5. The Township Council has an important role in acting as a check on the executive branch, how would you continue to ensure proper governance in your role as a Councilmember and prevent executive overreach?

My entire career, both professional and civic, has required that I work with others toward achieving what is in the best interest of either my employer or my fellow citizens.  I will work tirelessly to build consensus with my fellow Councilmembers, even those with whom I may disagree, to ensure we are working to do what is in the best interest of Parsippany and our residents.  I may not always agree with our executive or my fellow legislatures, and I will not shy away from making my disagreements known and understood.  Disagreements are inevitable, but any disagreements will always be expressed with respect for my colleagues and in a way that values differences of opinion.

6. As a Councilmember, how would you ensure that the financial position of the Township improves and what would you do to keep residential tax rates reasonable?

The irresponsibility of this current administration has damaged our Township’s previous reputation for strong fiscal management.  Until the current Mayor is voted out of office it will be difficult to know the true extent of the fiscal crisis we face, as there are questions of transparency, including an honest accounting of legal fees that our residents are being charged by outside counsel.  Right from the start, I will seek to eliminate patronage positions created by our current mayor, I will work with my colleagues to ensure we build back our utility surplus, and I will ensure that we pass budgets with an eye toward protecting our residents from exorbitant tax increases.  Hard decisions, like budget cuts, may be required – I have made such hard choices in my professional career – but I will always make sure that any such decisions are made responsibly and with the thoughtful care that such decisions deserve and require.

7. Recently, a disagreement between the bipartisan Township Council and the current administration on a proposed $5M bond to balance the budget has been made public. Where do you stand on using bonds to balance the budget and how would you vote on this proposal with current information made to the public?

Our current Mayor should have been working on behalf of the people to protect our financial interests for the last three years.  Instead, he has hoisted massive tax increases on our residents’ backs.  We need to ask, where has our surplus gone?  Why have taxes and utility rates gone up?  The current Town Council has its hands tied because of this administration’s recklessness and inability to offer a balanced budget.  The council just approved a $2.3 million bond to help balance the budget.  Their hands were tied, as they had no choice but to pass the bonding or see our citizens suffer even more severe increases.  Now they have taken a 2.3 million dollar loan to try and achieve a balanced budget.   Again, because this Mayor cannot pass a balanced budget, the Council’s hands are tied.  They must protect their residents.  But what will this administration do to them next year and moving forward?  How much worse can we as taxpayers allow this administration’s spending problems to grow?  Once elected, my team will immediately get to work trying to correct the reckless spending being forced upon us by the current administration, and we will restore sound fiscal management to Parsippany.

8. Since 2018, the Township Council has become a legislative chamber where respect between members is encouraged regardless of party affiliation or political position. How will you continue to contribute to this positive atmosphere and assure that this continues?

I have served on the Parsippany Board of Education for 15 years, including the last 5 ½ years as President.  My colleagues and I have always fostered a collegial atmosphere and have respected each other’s decisions, votes, and motions, even if we did not always agree with each other.  Working as a cohesive unit is certainly desirable and may be beneficial to achieving one’s goals.  But so, too is healthy, rigorous debate and disagreement beneficial to policymaking and governance.  I will always respect and be respectful toward my colleagues, even if our passions for our positions try to get the better of us.  I will always do my best to foster a culture of respect, and I have every intention of bringing the collegiality that served me well on the Board of Education with me to the Town Council.

9. Do you believe the Township Council should take an expanded role in engaging Town Hall on behalf of residents and advocating for their concerns? Would you support office hours during the week for Council members to meet with residents and address their concerns? Specifically, address poor follow-up by the Township in relation to constituency services.

Under Parsippany’s strong-mayor form of government, the executive is the most appropriate individual to hold office hours.  However, outside of my professional duties, I am always available to our constituents, and as an elected official, I recognize the important role Councilmembers play in ensuring that our citizens feel heard and see their needs addressed.  While formal office hours may be inappropriate, Councilmembers are always on duty, ready to assist the executive and our government professionals with the responsibility of serving our constituents.

10. Tell us about your work experience and how it will assist you in being a member of the Township Council in Parsippany.

As an Operations, Security, and Facilities Director for over 30 years, my professional experience has required that I develop and strictly adhere to budgets, many of a scale significantly larger than our own Township’s budget.  Much of my time is spent preparing, organizing, and executing group projects.  I’ve worked with people of different skill sets, ideas, and backgrounds, and have always managed to ensure that my employers’ goals have been met, while, at the same time, ensuring a safe, secure, and respectful atmosphere for my colleagues.  I will take those skills to the Township Council and work with my colleagues to restore Parsippany to fiscal health, protect our residents from overdevelopment, and replenish our utility surpluses.

11. There are five candidates running for the two available council seats.  What sets you apart from the other candidates and why should Republican voters support you on June 8?

My family moved to Parsippany in 1966, and I chose to live here ever since.  This is where I grew up, this is my home, and this is where my heart is and will remain. I am proud to have raised all my children here and to have sent them to our great Parsippany schools.  I care about the community, and I have been proud to serve it as a School Board Member over the last fifteen years, The Recreation Advisory Chairmen since 2001, and the Par-Troy West President for the last 25 years.  I care about the people and issues facing all of us.  I am a fighter, and I will work tirelessly to do what is right for Parsippany and our residents.  My record shows I’m not a quitter and I do things for the right reasons, which is to benefit the town, our children.

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Debate Questions for Mayoral Candidates:

We are running under the banner “RESTORING PRIDE IN PARSIPPANY”

1. Pride in Parsippany is an important part of why many choose our Township as their home. Why did you decide to settle in Parsippany, and what makes you proud to be a resident?

My parents moved to Parsippany in 1964 and I was fortunate to be raised in Parsippany.  I have been in Parsippany for 57 years and it’s who I am and where I’m from.  I attended our great schools and am a proud graduate of Parsippany Hills High School.  My experiences and the people I grew up with taught me about decency, community pride, and made me the person I am today.  The people of Parsippany are the reason why I love this town so much.  When I reached the point in life where I had to choose where I would live, I chose Parsippany, and I am glad I did. Parsippany has many wonderful aspects, but its best asset is its people.  Parsippany is my home, but its residents are my family.  I will always live in Parsippany, and I will always care for it with all my heart.  The people of this town make me so proud to be a resident.

1. What is your primary motivation to serve the residents of Parsippany as Mayor?

My motivation has always been to make Parsippany the best it can be for our residents.  I have proven that!   As Mayor, I fought to keep taxes low, fill vacant office space, bring in businesses, support our local sports teams, etc.  The people deserve a mayor who will serve with integrity and always put the public’s needs before their own.  Whenever confronted by the choice of doing the right thing or the politically expedient thing, I chose our residents every time.  I will always fight for our community, and our residents will know that their interests come first.

2. What qualities and platform positions set you apart from your opponent?

The two qualities that set me apart from my opponents are competency (which comes from experience and my past record) and honesty.  The residents of Parsippany will always be able to rely on my integrity and ability to govern.  My experiences and proven track record as mayor demonstrated my commitment to the township and ability to responsibly manage our township’s finances while completing important projects that advanced our community interests.  I have always been and will always be honest with our residents.

Example of my experience.

Low Taxes/ Great services. Parsippany had one of the lowest tax rates in Morris County when I was Mayor.   At the same time, I dramatically increased the scope and quality of municipal services.

Bringing business to Parsippany to fill vacant space and increase our tax base. My administration helped fill over 5 million square feet of vacant commercial space over the eight years I served as Mayor. This enabled me to create new sources of revenue from commercial businesses to keep taxes low for our residents.

Luring new businesses to Parsippany to increase ratables. My administration persuaded UPS to build a new 200,000 square foot facility in Parsippany.  This facility is generating millions of dollars for our town.

Enhancing public safety. During my tenure as Mayor, Parsippany was ranked the second safest town in America according to FBI statistics. That is a tribute to the great work of our police department.  Crime is up under Mayor Soriano.  I will make Parsippany safe for our residents.

Preserving open space/Protecting our Environment. My administration preserved over 140 acres of open space, including 11 acres at the Waterview site. We will continue to preserve and maintain as much open space as we can for future generations.

Enhancing Recreation Services.  My administration invested in upgrading our recreational facilities, including adding more capacity at Smith Field.  I understand the importance of our recreation programs and will continue to make sure they are the very best they can be.

3. What is the first action you will take as Mayor should you be elected?

I will order the new Township Administrator to undertake a thorough review of the Township budget to fully comprehend how the current administration, after just four years in office, squandered the $16 Million surpluses that my administration left Parsippany.  The current mayor’s incompetence and irresponsibility have resulted in unacceptable water rates and tax increases.

4. Allegations of nepotism have marked a shadow on past Republican and Democratic administrations dating back to the last century, will you make a commitment to stop this practice in the future?

My administration will be devoid of nepotism.

5. Public confidence in our police department has been shaken over the past ten years as a result of multiple whistleblower lawsuits and allegations of impropriety at the top, how would you address this and bring back trust in our local law enforcement?

I disagree with the notion that public confidence in the police department has been shaken. Anyone can file a lawsuit, and as we have seen in Parsippany, that does not mean the lawsuit has any merit. I appreciate the work of our fine police officers and their leadership, and I respect the difficult job they do every day. I believe our community has the same sense of respect and pride in our force that I feel.

6. Parsippany has earned a reputation for poor fiscal management coupled with short-term budgetary thinking, which steps would you take to change this and bring Parsippany back into financial maturity? Specifically, address recent increases in utility rates and higher than expected tax increases over the past few years.

“Recent” means during the Soriano administration. The fact of the matter is that Mayor Soriano squandered the $16 Million surpluses that my administration left him.  How did this happen?  The record is clear.  My administration built and replenished surpluses in our utilities.  I held the line on taxes and had a strong bond rating, clear proof that my budgets were fiscally responsible. Soriano’s incompetence is hurting Parsippany taxpayers. I am the only candidate in this race who can fix Parsippany’s finances. I did it before and I will do it again.

7. Overdevelopment has been a staple of campaigns on both sides of the aisle with truly little in the way of tangible action being taken by Town Hall. How would you ensure that any new development meets the needs of the township while balancing the needs of current residents? Specifically, address the use of PILOT programs and their benefits/costs to residents.

Michael Soriano promised to stop development and failed.  His administration approved more residential development than any Mayor in Parsippany’s history, which will strain our schools and infrastructure.  While we cannot halt development, my administration will take the responsible approach, hold developers to account, and always ensure that new projects receive rigorous scrutiny and minimize strain on our resources.

With respect to PILOTS, our continuing challenge in Parsippany is to find a way to address the problem of an abundance of antiquated office space. PILOTS can be useful in combatting this challenge but must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  The only PILOT my administration approved, for example, was for UPS.  That PILOT resulted in millions of dollars for Parsippany and was unquestionably a great deal for our town and helped generate a budget surplus.  I would require that any PILOTs approved by my administration would adhere to the standards we set for the UPS agreement.

8. In the past, relations between Town Hall and the Township Council have been less than desirable, what actions will take to ensure this improves in your administration?

There is always healthy friction between the legislative and executive branches in our form of government because the legislative branch serves as a check and balance. Despite any differences or disagreements my administration had with the Township Council, we always came together to pass fiscally responsible budgets and to put the interests of our constituents first.  I will never allow partisanship or political bickering to interfere with the people’s business.

9. In the 2017 election, Township Attorney John Inglesino played a major role in the voter’s decision. The Township experienced unusually high legal bills and lawsuits.  Do you have any intention of bringing Mr. Inglesino, Justin Marchetta, or other members of the firm Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala & Taylor, to Parsippany as Town Attorney?

The fact is that Republicans across New Jersey suffered more losses in 2017 than in any year since Watergate.  The Inglesino Law Firm advises that it has no interest in applying and being the Township Attorney.  If elected I will initiate a search committee that will solicit qualifications and select the best-qualified candidate.  I will emphasize again that my administration will fight every day to restore fiscal sanity to our township and hold the current administration to account for failing to protect our financial interests.

10. If you fail to win the support of residents and lose the election, what advice would you give to the victor?

Be honest, be transparent, and do the right thing for Parsippany.

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Debate Questions for Council Candidates:

1. Pride in Parsippany is an important part of why many choose our Township as their home. Why did you decide to settle in Parsippany, and what makes you proud to be a resident?

My parents moved to Parsippany when I was 5 years old and I enjoyed a wonderful, safe, fun childhood here along with a great education, and that feeling about Parsippany has never left. When I had the option to choose where to live and raise my own family, it was an easy decision to give my children that same opportunity. One of my favorite things about Parsippany is that small town, know your neighbors, everybody lends a hand feels in this wonderful town of hard-working, dedicated community members taking care of, and looking out for each other and that is something we all have to be proud about here in Parsippany.

2. Tell us about your family life and what living in Parsippany means to you.

I’m blessed with a kind, supportive husband, four great children, and three wonderful grandchildren. We can often be found enjoying warm weather time at Lake Parsippany or exploring and having fun at some of Parsippany’s great parks and fields. There is no better feeling than knowing my family, from my mother down to my baby grandson are all safe and happy in our great hometown of Parsippany.

3. What is your primary motivation to serve the residents of Parsippany as a Councilmember?

Service to our community has always been a priority for me and it is apparent that we need elected officials who value their opportunity to serve and who will represent our community’s interests. I believe myself and our team is best able to do that. Township growth is inevitable and smart growth and development can benefit communities tremendously but I don’t know a single Parsippany resident that is happy about the excessive and intrusive residential growth taking place in our community.  My experience understanding how development and growth impact our school district and our quality of life and being a fiscal conservative, best position me to be able to make smart and practical decisions about what Parsippany needs and wants. Let’s move forward in a smart, organized, streamlined manner for the benefit of our entire community and I believe Jamie Barberio, Frank Neglia and I have the experience and ability to get that done.

4. What qualities and platform positions set you apart from your opponents?

I’m always going to make decisions based on what is best for Parsippany first. I have the unique ability to approach a situation with a variety of perspectives and will easily share these unique and creative ideas so we can all explore different options to come up with reasonable, beneficial, and responsive problem-solving or needed actions. I also recognize the value of information and data which ensures my decision-making process is sound and fair but never without a heart because I value Parsippany and all of our community members and what they bring to the table to make our town great.

5. The Township Council has an important role in acting as a check on the executive branch, how would you continue to ensure proper governance in your role as a Councilmember and prevent executive overreach?

I serve on behalf of the residents of Parsippany with great honor and a strong sense of responsibility to ensure that the best interests of our Town are always the first priority. Fostering teamwork and the shared value of doing what’s best for Parsippany will be a guiding principle in my role as a Councilmember.

6. As a Councilmember, how would you ensure that the financial position of the Township improves and what would you do to keep residential tax rates reasonable?

There is definitely a lot of work to be done towards improving the financial wellbeing of our Township and it will take some time but we are very cognizant of the need to have a conservative fiscal approach to get us back on track. We all have a great deal of experience working with large budgets and we will work tirelessly to do what we can to turn things back around for Parsippany.

7. Recently, a disagreement between the bipartisan Township Council and the current administration on a proposed $5M bond to balance the budget has been made public. Where do you stand on using bonds to balance the budget and how would you vote on this proposal with current information made to the public?

My goal will be to never borrow to balance any budget but as we’ve learned in life, never say never, especially if I haven’t walked in your shoes. This has been an extraordinary year and I think our Town Council members have done a good job under very difficult circumstances with the lack of a budget from our current Mayor. Their decision to table the $5million bond was 100% appropriate since they were not given near enough information to even begin to consider such a request.

8. Since 2018, the Township Council has become a legislative chamber where respect between members is encouraged regardless of party affiliation or political position. How will you continue to contribute to this positive atmosphere and assure that this continues?

My running mate Frank Neglia and I will be completely at home operating as a team or legislative chamber for the benefit of our Township regardless of party affiliation since that is how the Board of Education has always functioned. I am most comfortable and find most governing bodies are most productive when they share a respect for each other and the common goal of making decisions to benefit our community.

9. Do you believe the Township Council should take an expanded role in engaging Town Hall on behalf of residents and advocating for their concerns? Would you support office hours during the week for Council members to meet with residents and address their concerns? Specifically, address poor follow-up by the Township in relation to constituency services.

We have a structure of governance in Parsippany that does not provide for this. We currently do have the opportunity to hear from our community members directly at Council meetings as a full body. I would be interested to hear additional information regarding the topic at some point.

10. Tell us about your work experience and how it will assist you in being a member of the Township Council in Parsippany.

I have an NJ Property & Casualty License and have worked in the Insurance industry, specializing in commercial insurance for the last 16 years. My professional experience helping clients understand and manage their business risks while balancing their fiscal needs serves me very well when transitioning these skills to community service and while on the Board of Education and will be of great benefit in my role as a Town Council member.

11. There are five candidates running for the two available council seats.  What sets you apart from the other candidates and why should Republican voters support you on June 8?

First please know that I will always do what is best for Parsippany in my decision-making; always doing my best to do the right things for the right reasons. I feel strongly that what sets me apart is my continuous service to the community over the last 35 years and with that comes experiences not gained by simply living in a neighborhood. What sets me apart is my dedication and quiet work helping to make our Town the best it can be. Parsippany is more than just a town that we all live in; it is a community that I care about, where I’ve chosen to raise my children, and where I plan to be for the rest of my life as well. I’m hoping my fellow Republicans will entrust me with the opportunity to serve on our Town Council and continue to work to help make Parsippany the best it can be.

Thank you for your time to read my responses here and I hope I’ve earned your vote.

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Debate Questions for Council Candidates:

1. Pride in Parsippany is an important part of why many choose our Township as their home. Why did you decide to settle in Parsippany, and what makes you proud to be a resident?

Parsippany is a community that cares. Living in Parsippany my entire life has allowed me to make wonderful and lasting friendships. My wife and I are active in Parsippany and we are instilling the same sense of pride in Parsippany in our son Robert. I could not imagine growing up anywhere else. I have always been a proud resident of Parsippany from my school years to today.

2. Tell us about your family life and what living in Parsippany means to you.

I was raised in Parsippany.  My wife and I knew Parsippany was the place to start our family.  We were married in Parsippany at Saint Peter the Apostle Church and were honored to have many Parsippany residents and community leaders join our ceremony.  We purchased our home on the same street I was raised on as we wanted to be close to our families.   While raising our son, Robert, our family stayed involved in our community.  Our son attended All Saints Academy in Parsippany, continued at Lake Hiawatha School, and is now at Rockaway Meadow School.  I serve as the Treasurer of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and enjoy coaching for Parsippany Soccer Club.  We have great parks and recreational facilities that many families enjoy and I was proud to be part of the planning and approval process as a Councilman.  My wife and I work in Parsippany and volunteer our time with many great organizations throughout Parsippany.

3. What is your primary motivation to serve the residents of Parsippany as a Council member?

In the last year, I was approached by neighbors, involved citizens, and friends throughout Parsippany and encouraged to return to the Council. My record speaks for itself. I am a proven fiscal conservative, having held the line on taxes. I helped cut wasteful spending and reduced debt. Taxpayers are tired of the lack of accountability on the part of politicians who ignore real problems. I listen to our residents every day and understand their concerns. As a lifelong resident and dedicated volunteer in our community, I care about Parsippany’s future, and I care about the opportunities our families have to enjoy a quality life.   The practice of politicians rubber-stamping hasty decisions and municipal proposals without proper due diligence and community outreach must stop.  I learned the values of integrity, hard work, and keeping promises and that is exactly what I will continue to bring as your Councilman.

4. What qualities and platform positions set you apart from your opponents?

This year’s election is about who is the best candidate to tackle the challenges for the future and provide for a more responsive and accountable township.  I have a record of accomplishments on Council. I was raised in our community, and I have life experiences in Parsippany as a taxpayer, husband, and parent.  For over 35 years I worked in executive leadership positions in finance, managing municipal operating accounts, investments, and debt.  My education, with a BS in Management and MBA in Corporate Finance, enables me to analyze and understand property tax rates which are integral to reducing our tax burden. Understanding the financial intricacies of the budget process will be instrumental in cutting municipal spending and debt, holding the line on water and sewer bills, and stopping overdevelopment. I have a proven track record of giving back to our community through the many organizations I am involved within the town. I have served as RMS PTA Treasurer, a coach/sponsor with Parsippany Soccer, the President of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Parsippany Area Visitor Center, VP of Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society, Chair of Economic Development Advisory Board, and Board Director of Downtown NJ. I stand by a record of accomplishments and service.

5. The Township Council has an important role in acting as a check on the executive branch, how would you continue to ensure proper governance in your role as a Council member and prevent executive overreach?

Council has a duty to hold the executive branch accountable for their actions. I will continue to work in a collaborative manner with the Mayor and Council.  I would seek to expand the role of the Finance Committee to include monthly reviews and quarterly audits on the operating, utility, and capital budgets.  The administration will be asked to disclose financial trends, discuss staffing, and make presentations to the Council.  I would seek to have all Department Heads present the Council with quarterly updates regarding their departments, including performance and goals.

6. As a Council member, how would you ensure that the financial position of the Township improves and what would you do to keep residential tax rates reasonable?

Many residents and businesses suffered this past year with lost income due to the pandemic and I want to thank the Board of Chosen Freeholders for not increasing taxes.  I am a little disappointed in the school board increasing taxes again by $148.82 based on the average home assessed at $311,371 after they received almost $1,000,000.00 in additional state aid.  When you are asking about the financial position of a community, you need to look at the entire picture of taxation.  Our Township is the Mayor/Council Faulkner model of government.  In order to stabilize taxes, it starts with the budget being introduced, approved, and adopted on time. I would start the budget process earlier and conduct in-depth reviews of each department to seek both economies of scale and ways to share responsibilities.

In order to maintain a stabilized tax base that is fiscally responsible, we need to evaluate our revenue and implement new sources of income.  We need to cut wasteful spending and eliminate nepotism.  When I was on Council I stressed that we must do away with the “smoke and mirrors” where the public is told that the impact on average residential tax payment is a small increase or a budget is balanced when the actual increase is ultimately higher.  The administration cannot use resident’s tax money taken from other sources to balance the budget and claim there was no tax increase, because it is still taxpayer money that is funding tax increases. Previous administrations took $2.5 million from Sewer Utility revenue and $780,000 from the Township’s general cash fund reserves to fund historic $3.3M spending increases.  These spending increases are not sustainable in the long term. Elected officials can offer all the happy political spins they want, but I don’t think taxpayers are feeling quite so chipper about local government reaching into their pockets for more of their hard-earned money to support another property tax hike.

I would also seek to expand the role of the Economic Advisory Committee and ensure that we are working with agencies like the Morris County Economic Development Corp, EDA, SBA, NJSBDC. There are programs available, including grants, through these agencies that can help us provide assistance to our small business community and seize the opportunities to fill our vacant office buildings due to the pandemic.

In the past, I have supported the Lake Hiawatha Business Association and Friends of Lake Hiawatha and continue to provide them assistance.  I recommended discussion groups with the building owners, business proprietors, township planners, and our community to craft a vision for our Lake Hiawatha Business District.  I am on the Board for Downtown NJ which provides assistance to downtown communities and I am the President of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, I have the experience to provide leadership and work with our stakeholders as a team. When I was on Council I asked for our Township Master Plan to be reviewed and updated.  Later on, the Master Plan was reviewed and as a long-term resident and a community leader, I provided input for the Master Plan in public sessions.

7. Recently, a disagreement between the bipartisan Township Council and the current administration on a proposed $5M bond to balance the budget has been made public. Where do you stand on using bonds to balance the budget and how would you vote on this proposal with current information made to the public?

This situation is unacceptable from a financial perspective.  First, we should not be in a position where we need a bond to balance our budget.  When I was on council we strived to balance our budgets without incurring additional debts.  The failure to curtail spending and balance the budget led to our water and sewer increases of 39% last year.  We cannot continue to offset the current spending spree by utilizing water and sewer cash reserves to offset tax increases.  If the water and sewer authorities are generating the type of revenue that causes excessive cash balances in a self-sustaining utility, then the rates need to reviewed and reduced.

I am a fiscal conservative that believes in paying as we go. We should not spend money we don’t have and as a former Councilman, I prided myself in working with our Chief Municipal Financial Officer to reduce our debt and to cut out wasteful bonding. As a government banker for over 35 years, I have experience with Municipal Bonds, Bond Anticipation Notes, Tax Anticipation Notes, and Revenue Anticipation Notes.  I will not kick the can down the road. We need to balance our budget and stop mortgaging the future.

8. Since 2018, the Township Council has become a legislative chamber where respect between members is encouraged regardless of party affiliation or political position. How will you continue to contribute to this positive atmosphere and assure that this continues?

I believe that by listening and collaborating with people, you can accomplish more whether it’s in business or public service.   As a public servant, I want to continue fostering a positive atmosphere and ensure that the public has a greater voice in the community.  I believe the public should have the maximum amount of time to speak with Council members and that they deserve answers to their questions from the administration. I will continue to recommend that Council members have an open office policy in which we should be available to address concerns and hear about new ideas.

I was honored to be nominated and voted by my fellow Council to be Vice President of the Council two times and I will continue to work in a collaborative manner with the Mayor and Council to put the needs of Parsippany and her residents first.

9. Do you believe the Township Council should take an expanded role in engaging Town Hall on behalf of residents and advocating for their concerns? Would you support office hours during the week for Council members to meet with residents and address their concerns? Specifically, address poor follow-up by the Township in relation to constituency services.

I strongly believe that Council members need to take an expanded role in engaging the public and addressing concerns.  I pride myself on visiting residents and working with them. I share my personal contact information with many people in the community and they know that I am always responsive to help them and return calls. We need to operate our Township like a business and ensure that we are respectful to our taxpayers.  Providing quality customer service to our residents is paramount.  The Clerk is the only department that reports to the Council as a whole.  As a Councilperson, I believe my job includes listening to the concerns of residents and presenting those issues to the Mayor and Council. I will make myself available during regular office hours if elected.

With regard to follow-up by the Township, I am not here to criticize the work of others or lay blame on town employees or elected officials. If elected, one of my priorities would be to modernize the way we address constituent needs. Many of the issues facing the community can be handled with online, integrated services. Permit applications, recreational enrollments, and other paperwork should be made available online both for download and filing. I know that our staff if given the proper tools, can make these processes seamless for our residents.

10. Tell us about your work experience and how it will assist you in being a member of the Township Council in Parsippany.

I have over thirty-five years in Executive Leadership positions within the financial sector with a focus on Government and Non-Profit Sectors. Most recently I served as the 2nd Vice President of Government Banking.  I am also the Founder and Managing Member of North Jersey Regional Partnership, LLC. and a Consultant for small businesses with NJSBDC of Northwest Jersey, Rutgers Business School.  My education with an MBA in Corporate Finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University,  BS in Management from Montclair State University, Morris County Vocational School Apprenticeship, and graduate from Morris County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Morris Program enables me to understand complex issues that affect our community.  My experiences and education will be useful both in developing a long-term financial plan for the community as well as working with outside agencies to seek additional benefits for the residents of Parsippany.

11. There are five candidates running for the two available council seats.  What sets you apart from the other candidates and why should Republican voters support you on June 8

This year’s election is about who is the best candidate to tackle the challenges for the future and provide for a more responsive and accountable township.  I have experience and a record of accomplishments on Council. As a former Councilperson, I was the liaison for Municipal Alliance, Economic Development Advisory, Finance, Environmental, Historical Preservation Advisory, and League of Municipalities committees that interacted with our community, administration, and council.  I was raised in our community, and I have life experiences as a taxpayer, husband, and parent.  For over 35 years I worked in executive leadership positions in finance, managing municipal operating accounts, investments, and debt.  My education, with a BS in Management and MBA in Corporate Finance, enables me to analyze and understand property tax rates which are integral in reducing our tax burden. Understanding the financial intricacies of the budget process will be instrumental in cutting municipal spending and debt, holding the line on water and sewer bills, and stopping overdevelopment, while being honest and ensuring that we have a transparent government.

I have a proven track record of giving back to our community in many organizations. I have served as RMS PTA Treasurer, a coach/sponsor with Parsippany Soccer, Chair of Patriot Path Boy Scouts Good Scout Awards, the President of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Founder of the Parsippany Area Visitor Center, VP of Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society, Chair of Economic Development Advisory Board, and Board Director of Downtown NJ.  I stand by my record of accomplishments and service.

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