Parsippany Begins All-GOP Chapter With New Mayor, Council Members

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Parsippany began a new era, or perhaps the continuation of a previous era. James Barberio returned to his role as mayor Saturday, as he and two Township Council members were sworn in.

Republicans now hold the mayorship and all five seats on the council, with Council Members Frank Neglia and Justin Musella also getting sworn in Saturday.

Barberio previously served two terms as Parsippany's mayor from 2010-18. Former Mayor Michael Soriano ousted him in the 2017 election, but Barberio defeated Soriano to regain the seat in November's election, generating 8,467 votes to Soriano's 7,673.

Musella and Neglia replace Emily Peterson and Janice McCarthy — both Democratic council members who opted against running for re-election.

Soriano, meanwhile, will maintain a political presence. The Morris County Democratic Committee elected Soriano to represent the county on the New Jersey State Democratic Committee.

The former mayor replaces Philip R. Sellinger, who resigned in December after the United States Senate confirmed him as the U.S. attorney for New Jersey.

Parsippany will hold a Town Council meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Town Hall.

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