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Tri-Town Republican Club Holds St. Patrick’s Dinner Meeting

By
Frank Cahill
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Asssemblyman Jay Webber, Morris County Commissioner Stephen Shaw, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella, Boonton Council Member Ward 3Joseph E. Bock, Jr., Senator Joseph Pennachio, James Lynch and Assemblyman Brian Bergen

BOONTON — Tri-Town Republican Club Holds St. Patrick’s Dinner Meeting on Thursday, March 9.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella

Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella was the guest speaker, discussing his successful campaigning techniques during his first year in public office.  Musella was the number one vote-getting in his bid for Township Council.

James Lynch

Also, at the meeting, James Lynch announced his candidacy for Mayor of Boonton. Click here to read the complete article.

Tri-Town Republican Club hopes to forward the ideals of the Republican Party while supporting our local, county, and state Republican representatives.  Please take some time to visit their site and join our organization and help support all the local Republican representatives. (Click here).

Their goal and mission are to support our republican candidates and elected officials. Membership is open to Boonton, Boonton Township, and Mountain Lakes residents.

The Tri-Town Republican Club was organized in 2015 with just a few people coming together to support our local and state candidates seeking public office. Little did they know that it would grow into the thriving organization it is today. The dedicated members often enjoy meeting for different events and activities.

Their door is always open to new like-minded members. We are proud to bring together people from Boonton, Boonton Township, Mountain Lakes, and beyond.

Pennacchio Bill Offers Homeowners’ Tax Break to Mitigate Lead, Asbestos

By
Frank Cahill
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Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s legislation to help homeowners remedy dangerous lead and asbestos in their homes has been approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio’s legislation to help homeowners remedy dangerous lead and asbestos in their homes has been approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

“This bill will make it easier for homeowners to do the right thing and have trained professionals remediate toxins and carcinogens from their property, ensuring a healthy environment for current and future residents of the property,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “For the health of residents, it is crucial to mitigate the risks of lead and asbestos in the home, but hazard abatement is costly.”

Pennacchio’s bill (S-2200) would allow taxpayers to deduct up to $45,000 from gross income for lead paint and asbestos abatement expenses, the cost of replacing water lines that contain lead. Click here to review the bill.

“Asbestos exposure has been linked to lung cancer and other serious conditions. This bill will help eradicate these silent threats from our communities,” added Pennacchio. “These unhealthy issues can still be found in homes across the state. Lead can contribute to behavioral and learning issues, slowed growth in children, problems for pregnant women, and cardiac and blood pressure issues in adults.”

Morris County is Accepting 2023 Open Space Grant Applications

By
Frank Cahill
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Bee Meadow Park in Hanover Township, approved for preservation in 2022.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation has announced that the 2023 grant application for funding of open space projects under the Morris County Preservation Trust is now available on the Open Space Preservation by clicking here.

“When you drive through Morris County, it’s easy to see why it is one of the most beautiful counties in New Jersey and a place you would call home. At the same time, it is one of the most economically vibrant counties in the country, as many major corporations also choose to call our county home. Preserving open space is essential to maintaining this balance between the beauty that makes Morris County what it is while maintaining the business footprint that helps sustain our local economy,” said Morris County Commissioner Stephen Shaw, liaison to the Office of Planning and Preservation.

The deadline for submitting open space applications and appraisals for 2023 funding is Friday, June 9, 2023.

Last year, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners approved recommendations by the county’s Open Space Trust Fund Committee to award $2.13 million in preservation grants for five open space projects totaling 34.60 acres in five Morris County towns.

The Open Space Trust Fund, part of the county’s Preservation Trust Fund, has helped preserve 17,838 acres throughout the county since 1994, using $294,557,718 generated by a preservation tax Morris County voters approved in November 1992.

“Resident tax dollars preserve open space in Morris County, which is directly evidenced by everything our county offers: well-maintained public infrastructure, top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, the best park system in the state, and a vast network of hiking trails. When you consider we also have one of the lowest county tax rates in the state, the value your tax dollars provide is even more obvious,” Commissioner Shaw added.

In addition to open space projects, the county’s Preservation Trust Fund also helps finance farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, recreational trail projects, and purchasing residential properties prone to flooding.

The review process for grant applications is handled by the Open Space Trust Fund Committee, which visits the proposed sites and makes final recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners by fall.

“Any of Morris County’s 39 municipalities and qualified charitable conservancies are eligible to apply for grant funding,” said Barbara Murray, Morris County open space program coordinator.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Office of Planning and Preservation at (973) 829-8120.

James Lynch Announces Candidacy for Boonton Mayor

By
Frank Cahill
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James Lynch

TOWN OF BOONTON — James A. Lynch announced his candidacy for Boonton Mayor on Wednesday, March 9, during the monthly meeting of the Tri-Town Republican Club.

Lynch said, “After much deliberation and encouragement from respected community members, I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the office of Mayor of the Town of Boonton. I am proud of my record of cost-saving initiatives and the effort and passion I brought during my multiple terms on the Town Council. My deep concern about the escalating debt, ever-increasing taxes, and direction of the Town under the current administration prompted my decision to re-enter public service. I have called Boonton home for three decades, raised my family, and run my business here. I care too much not to be involved. I look forward to meeting our residents during my campaign and gaining your support.”

Lynch began his first term as Alderman in 2014 and served for three two-year terms.  He did not seek re-election in 2020.  A vacancy created by relocating a sitting Alderman in early 2020 needed to be filled. Out of concern for the lack of experience on the board, he submitted his name for consideration and was selected to rejoin the board.

He served for three more years and did not seek re-election.  During his tenure on the Board/Council, he chaired the Economic Development, Finance, and Police Committees. He was also on the Planning Board as the liaison to the Board of Education and Morris County Commissioners.

His accomplishments consist of three different planning grants, including an 18-month NJTPA funded visioning study, ending the practice of providing full family health benefits to the part-time elected officials, transitioning the town 911 service to the County Communications Center, electing out of Chapter 88, which mandated lifetime health benefits for all employees who retire from Boonton with 25 years in the retirement system regardless of how many years employed by Boonton and settlement of the COAH lawsuit brought against the Town.

Lynch has a successful accounting practice in Boonton for close to thirty years.  The demands of the practice during tax season were a key factor in not seeking re-election.  I will take steps to address those demands so I can successfully fill the position of mayor.

Community involvement included serving as treasurer of the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce, the Boonton National Sokol Lodge, multiple scholastic athletic organizations treasurer, and coaching in the Tri-Town Little League.

His wife, Debbie, is Clerk of the Board of Morris County Commissioners, and they have five grown children and two grandchildren.

March Madness at Lakeland Hills YMCA

By
Frank Cahill
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MOUNTAIN LAKES — Where can you have two hours of free, fun activities for the entire family? Why, at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, of course! Everyone can enjoy two hours of free family fun on Saturday, March 25, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Discover the activities, games, and interactions waiting for your family. The afternoon includes a family long-jump competition, Connect Four basketball inflatable challenge, temporary tattoos, a hot shot contest with beach balls, basketball knockout, and hot-shot contests. That’s not all! There is also a family dance party, water hoops in the pool (bring your swimsuits), open swim time, and basketball-themed arts and crafts.

The Ys summer camp directors will be available to answer any questions regarding their summer camp program. Additionally, member-service associates will gladly provide tours of the Y facility, including the health and fitness center, free-weight area, teen training center, aquatic center, and Early Childhood Learning Center. In addition to all the great activities, you will also have the opportunity to meet our community partners, including SportsCare Physical Therapy, Sunrise Senior Living at Mountain Lakes, Mental Health Association, Edge, Love More Judge Less, and M&T Bank.

From sports competitions to arts and crafts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The hot shot with beach balls and water hoops in the pool also sounds like a great way to have fun. It’s also nice that community partners will be present, which allows families to learn more about local organizations and resources. Overall, it’s a great way to spend quality time with family and have fun together.

The YMCA is a nonprofit organization aiming to build community, develop youth, and create a safe experience for all. The Y strives to strengthen individuals, families, and communities by promoting wellness, mental health, and enrichment through various programs and services. Lakeland Hills Family YMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. As a result of their dedication to these three areas, the Y impacts the community by providing quality services to everyone. The Y doesn’t just focus on physical fitness; it strives to improve mental and emotional health by offering programs and resources that promote overall well-being.

The Y builds relationships, celebrates achievements, and inspires a healthier community. For over 100 years, Lakeland Hills Family YMCA has been the leading community organization serving thousands of people. For more information on Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, please visit their website by clicking here, or email Rosemary Linder Day, Vice President of Marketing and Membership, at [email protected]. No one serves the community as powerfully as the Y does every day.

Somma Ends County Commissioner Campaign

By
Frank Cahill
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Anthony's motto is simple: "The American Dream isn't born, it's made."

MORRIS COUNTY — It has been reported that Anthony Somma, a Republican County committeeman from Randolph dropped out of the race for Morris County Commissioner after losing the county line last weekend.

Somma launched his campaign to unseat Commissioner Tayfun Selen (R-Chatham) in January, arguing that the incumbent was insufficiently conservative.

Somma said, “To all who voted for me: THANK YOU. The convention results prove that many in our party recognize what our Republican primary voters already know to be true: that we need a genuine conservative voice to lead our party to victory come November.”

Morris County Commissioner 1 Seat Available
Tayfun Selen 341
Paul DeGroot 113
Anthony Somma 95

Somma finished third place with 95 votes, DeGroot with 113 and the incumbent Tayfun Selen won the county line with 341 votes.

Former congressional candidate Paul DeGroot has not decided on his plans. DeGroot and Selen faced off in the 2022 Republican primary for the 11th congressional district, a contest which DeGroot won (though he lost the Morris County portion of the district).

MCPO Holds Bias & Bullying Presentations for Students and Guests

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, at the podium, was joined by Sgt. Patrick LaGuerre and Asst. Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri to discuss bullying and bias incidents with middle schoolers and high schoolers at Jefferson High School n March 7.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri and Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre recently visited the middle schoolers at Memorial Junior High School in the Hanover Township district on March 2 and at the Jefferson Township Middle and High Schools on March 7. Together, they led a presentation on bias incidents, cyber harassment, and making smart choices about social media.

The presenters stressed exercising good judgment regarding how you interact with others or what you post on social media, adding this applies to videos or images utilizing song lyrics or meme-ified language. How you conduct yourself online could potentially impact your future.

Social media and technology today document everything. SAP DeNegri explained that taking or sharing explicit photos can lead to legal ramifications and may be viewed/shared by people other than you intended to receive it. She cautioned students often regret taking such pictures as they don’t remain private, adding the MCPO would not hesitate to prosecute those who maliciously share such material.

Sgt. LaGuerre explained the difference between bias crimes and bias incidents, cautioning students that their school administrators can choose to take disciplinary action even if an incident isn’t considered criminal. Having your name associated with a bias incident and the documentation that goes with it can unfortunately follow you into life beyond school.

SAP DeNegri said Morris County takes a zero-tolerance approach to threats of violence, even when students claim their comments were intended as a joke.

The MCPO routinely conducts presentations at public and private schools throughout Morris County to present on these important topics and to talk directly with students. Over the past year, they’ve conducted over a dozen such assemblies in Morris, Warren, and Sussex counties.

Salem County Prosecutor’s Office members attended the Memorial Junior High assembly to learn about and bring the program back to Salem County students.

During the presentations in Jefferson Township, members of the Morris County NAACP attended to learn about the MCPO’s outreach program.

Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, “I hope our colleagues from the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office and community partners at the Morris County NAACP found the presentations informative and useful. In an age of oversaturated digital communication, the MCPO uses face-to-face visits to make a genuine connection with our students. We want our young people to make smart choices about interacting online and in person.”

Juliana Eoga Named to the Dean’s List

By
Frank Cahill
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Juliana Eoga

BOONTON — Juliana Eoga of Boonton has been named to the Dean’s List at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken. She is a freshman studying Biomedical Engineering and is an active volunteer Emergency Medical Technician on the Boonton Kiwanis Ambulance Squad and the Montville Township First Aid Squad.

She graduated as Academy Scholar from the Sports Medicine Academy at the Morris County School of Technology in June 2022.

Boonton Police Captain Allegedly Steals Computer Towers, Internal Affairs Records

By
Frank Cahill
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Stephen Jones, 42, of Toms River

BOONTON — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin confirmed charges against a Boonton police captain who allegedly stole his internal affairs records and computer hardware containing police data from the Boonton Police Department.

Stephen Jones

Stephen Jones, 42, of Toms River, has been charged with computer theft, tampering with public records, and other offenses in connection with the April 2022 incident. The charges result from an Office of Public Integrity and Accountability’s (OPIA) Corruption Bureau investigation.

The investigation revealed Jones removed at least five computer towers from the Boonton Police Department, three of which contained police information, including files on internal affairs (IA) matters. He allegedly stole his personnel and IA files, stashing the computer towers in his Toms River home and the files at his in-laws’ home in Edison.

Then the officer-in-charge of the Boonton Police, Jones, was allegedly captured on surveillance video late at night on April 13, 2022, removing containers and computer towers from the police department. According to the investigation, Jones removed the computer hardware and files without authorization and violated Boonton Police policies.

Jones is charged with one count of each of the following offenses:

  • second-degree computer theft
  • third-degree theft by unlawful taking
  • third-degree tampering with public records
  • fourth-degree falsifying or tampering with records

Second-degree crimes carry a five- to 10-year prison term with a $150,000 fine upon conviction. Third-degree crimes can carry a prison sentence of three to five years and a $15,000 fine. Fourth-degree offenses could lead to up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Deputy Attorney General Eric Cohen is prosecuting the case for the OPIA Corruption Bureau under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Jeffrey Manis, Bureau Chief Peter Lee, OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione, and OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Hit and Run on Route 15 on March 1. Did you see this accident? Please help the driver!

By
Frank Cahill
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Hit and Run File Photo
MORRIS COUNTY — At approximately 11:05 a.m., on Wednesday, March 1, as the driver of a 2014 Black Toyota Camry SE was passing a green light at the intersection of Route 15 and Edison Road, a gray vehicle, possibly a Toyota Rav 4, and Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, or Chevrolet Equinox, merged into my lane (the left), at the very last second as we were passing the light, causing him to swerve to the left to avoid hitting the vehicle.
Unfortunately, as a result, he drove over the corner of a curb right past the light, causing severe damage to the front left tire and bumper. The other vehicle slowed down for a few seconds after the accident and took off without stopping. Regrettably, he could not get a picture of the license plate at the time because of how quickly the other vehicle left.
He believes that someone may have witnessed something during the accident that could lead to the finding of this person. Perhaps the front dash cam of a passing vehicle caught something?

The incident occurred near Gray Law Group, LLC, 727 Route 15, Lake Hopatcong.

Anyone with any information can contact the driver directly at (862) 222-7153. He would be grateful if you could assist me in any way possible.

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Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

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