Message from Mayor Barberio
Mayor James R. Barberio
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give,” said the great orator Winston Churchill. Nowhere is this truer than when one volunteers. We tend to get what we put into things and volunteering brings a sense of self-satisfaction that cannot be duplicated. How many people have said that their lives have felt richer when they gave something of themselves to a cause they believed in. While our government operates with valued employees it also relies on the goodness of citizens who wish to make a difference in their community. We are fortunate to have many residents who care about Parsippany and want to make it even better. Many residents are not aware that the Township relies on a panel of advisory committees that offer suggestions to improve various aspects of our community. While these committees are advisory in capacity only, they have come up with many excellent ideas for enhancing and enriching our community. The Environmental Advisory Committee has helped with the implementation of various projects to clean up the Township and protect it for future generations. Their focus on pollution, waste, noise control and preserving water resources is analyzed and appraised by a team of residents with backgrounds in scientific fields that are relevant to environmental concerns. Many may not realize how many historic buildings we are privileged to have in Parsippany. The Historic Preservation Advisory Committee is key in recommending and promoting the safeguarding of these Township treasures. Preserving the past is just as important as advancing into the future. Traffic is a source of aggravation for all of us. Monitoring traffic management issues such as congestion, road safety and proper signage is the Traffic Advisory Committee. Their suggestions are brought to the attention of various departments within the Township and are taken into consideration especially with any new development that may occur in Parsippany.
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An issue that everyone has growing concern over is transparency in government. I have always been a strong proponent in making sure that residents have access to where and how their tax dollars are being spent. We always have room to make improvements and the Municipal Government Transparency Committee offers many suggestions for improvements to the Township website to make information more accessible to everyone. Many youth programs that the Township provides have benefited from the insight of the Recreation Advisory Committee which assists the Division of Recreation. These volunteers have contributed ideas and suggestions for the development of various recreational programs that provide an outlet for our youth to come together in a fun, sportsmanlike and safe setting. Instrumental to encouraging the growth and expansion of Parsippany’s business community is a group of resourceful members that make up the Economic Development Advisory Committee. This committee has become indispensable in promoting and attracting new business to our municipality. New businesses are warmly welcomed with grand ribbon cutting ceremonies and exposure to our residents. During these difficult economic times it is extremely important to support these entrepreneurs just starting out and ensure that they are given the best opportunity for success. The Township is all the richer because of these committees, selfless volunteers and their ideas. There are so many ways to volunteer and make a difference. The hardest part about volunteering is taking time out of our busy daily schedules to devote time to something other than ourselves. The feeling of satisfaction, a chance to pay it forward and the power to change lives are just some of the benefits of volunteering. When you give a little of yourself to your community you will in turn see just how much your community gives back to you.
James R. Barberio
www.parsippanyfocus.news
March 2022
