MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Freeholder and Republican candidate for Surrogate, Heather Darling, attended the STAR (Successful Transition and Re-entry) simulation, where she addressed the audience and then took part in the simulation.  The STAR program, administered by the Morris County Sheriff’s office, is designed to get newly released prisoners on a path to success, so they are less like likely to reoffend.

In her remarks, Darling thanked Sheriff Gannon and others for the work they did to make the program a success and confirmed the Freeholders commitment and support of the STAR program moving forward.

Following her remarks, Darling participated in the simulation, where she took the identity of someone who had recently served several years in prison for internet crime, had no money to their name and whose only two sources of immediate funds were to pawn a camera in their possession or sell their blood, a various array of fines to pay and other bounds that most of us do not live within.

“Attending the STAR program was an eye-opening experience, where I had the opportunity to understand the issues facing prisoner re-entry in a simulated first hand situation.  While we must continue to punish those who commit crimes and endanger the public, it is also imperative to allow for rehabilitation and ensure programs are in place to lower the recidivism rate, giving those who have committed crimes for which they have paid the price a second chance at a productive life.”

BOONTON — Local political leaders today announced the formation of the Alliance Party of New Jersey (APNJ), one of 22 state affiliates of the new, fast-growing Alliance Party, to impact 2020 elections as a viable moderate option for voters whose views, values and futures are no longer represented by existing parties.

“We are at a crossroads in American history,” said New Jersey Chair Nick Kumburis. “The two major parties were formed from an archaic power dynamic before women or people of color could vote, and today those parties fail to represent the majority of America. The Alliance Party of New Jersey is bringing everyone to the table from the start, and we believe it is the true future of New Jersey politics.”

APNJ is organizing county-level affiliates as well as recruiting potential candidates for 2019 and 2020 elections. Individuals interested in joining the party and getting involved can click here  to volunteer and sign up to run for office under the Alliance banner.

“I am a proud American immigrant,” said George Tannous, New Jersey vice-chair. “I came to this country for opportunities that would not ever have been possible, including running for office as both a Democrat and Republican. I learned the hard way that neither party represented my core values. The Alliance allows me to be true to my beliefs.”

The result of a merger in October 2018 of like-minded political parties across the country, the national Alliance Party is committed to restore a functioning government to solve problems, work together and move the country forward for all citizens.

“The Alliance is growing fast because of the magnitude of the problems facing our nation and the destructive way our current two-party system leads,” said Kumburis. “We are in a unique place in our history where the majority of American voters believe a new party is needed to fix the broken two-party system. Through civil discourse, open and transparent government and collaborative problem solving, we will propel New Jersey and the nation to be better now and for future generations.”

To review the Alliance Tenets click here. More information about the APNJ is available by clicking here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation sponsored by Senators Joe Pennacchio and Anthony Bucco to pay tribute to former Morris Plains Mayor and Morris County Freeholder Frank Druetzler for his 38 years of laudable public service, by ceremoniously renaming a local rail station in his honor, has passed the Senate Transportation Committee.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Frank for more than 20 years,” Pennacchio said. “Frank is a pillar of the community, and his numerous accomplishments in Morris Plains are a testament to his hard work. He always put people before politics. Renaming the train station in Frank’s honor is a fitting way to pay tribute to his legacy.”

Pennacchio and Bucco’s bill, S-3449, would ceremoniously designate the Morris Plains rail station as the “Frank J. Druetzler Station – Morris Plains, New Jersey.”

Druetzler, a Morris County native, began his distinguished career in civil service as a member of the Morris Plains Borough Council. In 1986, Druetzler was elected Mayor of Morris Plains and later to the Morris County Freeholder Board.

Druetzler also served as councilman for six years, freeholder for 15 years, and mayor for 32 years.

His achievements include initiating a Memorial Day parade, “Family Day,” the town bonfire, and “Uncle Frank’s Fishing Contest.” Under his leadership, Morris Plains opened a Community Center, a borough museum, and erected the Morris Plains September 11, 2001 memorial. As Freeholder, he pushed and succeeded in preserving open space, building a new county library as well as a new county jail.

“Frank always puts everyone else before himself – he is the epitome of a selfless community servant,” Bucco said. “His success and popularity throughout Morris Plains and Morris County speak volumes. Renaming the station is a meaningful way to recognize the wonderful and historical impact he made on behalf of our residents.”

MORRIS COUNTY — Former Riverdale Councilman Gary Mastrangelo has endorsed Veteran, Educator, and Republican Leader William Felegi of Lake Hopatcong in the Republican primary for Morris County Freeholder. Prior to moving to the Lake Hopatcong section of Jefferson Township in 2016, Felegi lived in Riverdale, where he served on the Republican County Committee and as a member of the Riverdale Public Library Board of Trustees.

“I am proud to support my good friend William Felegi for Morris County Freeholder because I know he’s a principled, hard-working, and honest leader who will put Morris County first. During his seven years as a resident of Riverdale, Will brought energy and enthusiasm to our local Republican Party and served our community as a member of the Riverdale Public Library Board of Trustees,” Mastrangelo stated.

Mastrangelo also praised Felegi’s commitment to public service.

“Whether it was as a Sergeant in the National Guard or spending countless hours volunteering to support Riverdale’s library, Will has demonstrated a true commitment to service above self. It’s that belief in service to others that will make him an extraordinary Freeholder,” he declared.

Felegi thanked Mastrangelo for his endorsement and said he looks forward to earning the support of Morris County voters.

“I am extraordinarily honored and grateful to receive the endorsement of my friend Gary Mastrangelo. I also thank Gary for his years of service on the Riverdale Borough Council. I look forward to earning the support of residents in all of Morris County’s thirty-nine municipalities,” he said.