Election 2021: Parsippany Mayoral Candidate James Barberio

PARSIPPANY, NJ — In just a few days, the first wave in election season 2021 reaches the Garden State and Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before the June 8 primary election.

Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will get published between now and the primary election.

Here is the response from Parsippany mayoral candidate James Barberio.

Name: James Barberio
Age: 60
Town of residence: Parsippany
Position sought: Mayor
Party Affiliation: Republican
Family: 2 Children
Education: Graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, attended Montclair University, CPM, Affordable Housing Certification.
Occupation: Township Business Administrator

Previous or current elected appointed office:
Parsippany – Troy Hills Mayor, 2010 - 2017
Served on the Parsippany Township Council from 2002 to 2005 and 2007 to 2009

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for Mayor to provide our residents with honest, competent, and proven leadership for Parsippany's future. Having grown up in Parsippany, I love this town and its people too much to subject them to four more years of Michael Soriano’s gross mismanagement and incompetence. Mayor Soriano raised water rates an astounding 39% this year! Huge tax increases are all but certain. Parsippany has a fiscal crisis on the horizon due entirely to Mayor Soriano’s incompetence.

I will run on my record of proven financial management. Keeping taxes low, creating surplus in the Township's water and sewer utilities, and negotiating strong financial agreements with developers were hallmarks of my administration.

I will run on my record of honesty. People always knew where I stood. Sometimes telling the truth means you must tell people what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. I was always truthful with the people of Parsippany.

The single most pressing issue facing us is recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. What do you intend to do about it?

The single most pressing issue at the local level regarding COVID -19 is making sure that our residents receive accurate information so that they can make informed decisions for themselves and their families. My administration will provide timely information to the public so that our residents are informed about all aspects of COVID - 19, including the most current information about virus mutations and vaccinations. I will also work with our businesses so that they can operate and provide goods and services for our residents.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

1. Competency which comes from Experience. My record of holding the line on taxes, increasing surplus in our utilities, attracting business to Parsippany and increasing the quality and scope of municipal services proves that I can perform the job of Mayor much better than any other candidate in this election.

1. Fiscal Management. As Mayor, I refurbished our utilities and rebuilt our surpluses. The fact is that Mayor Soriano has squandered $16 Million in surpluses that I left him. The result of Mayor Soriano’s incompetence will be huge tax increases for Parsippany.

1. Honesty. I have always been honest with the residents of Parsippany. I did not always tell people what they wanted to hear, but I always told the truth and what they needed to hear.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Low Taxes/ Great services. Parsippany had the 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.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do the right thing, even if it means you get criticized for it.

The best advice I have ever received was from my mother. Who would always say to me use common sense. She would say to me, James, you want to know why common sense is special? It’s because it is not common.