Parsippany councilman will challenge mayor in primary

Parsippany Councilman Robert Peluso announced he will challenge incumbent Mayor James Barberio in June's Republican Primary.

"I will run for Mayor of Parsippany not because I need to hold this office, but because of the good that could be done with it,” Peluso said.

Transparency was a unifying theme during Peluso's announcement in front of a room full of supporters at a local hotel last Friday night.

“I have always believed that better informed residents will make better choices,” said Peluso.  "I will continue to keep all residents informed and involved."

The Parsippany Republican native works in banking and served on the council for four years. He was a member and president of the Parsippany Chamber of Commerce for 18 years. He attended Parsippany schools, as does his son now.

Peluso, council liaison to the Transparency Committee, said too many decisions in Parsippany are being made in backroom deals.

"We need a fresh set of eyes to take a look at the issues,” Peluso said. "These are not normal economic times...They are challenging for people who work for businesses that are tightening their belts. They are challenging for the people who are looking for employment today because it’s an upward hill right now."

Peluso often pitted himself against the "old guard" leaders who he said are "not working together” during his speech. He said the government needs to do a better job listening to the diverse taxpayers.

"Our community is not about one person,” Peluso said, adding that he wanted community leaders to work together to serve the community instead of individuals.

Barberio has served two four-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2010. Early last month he announced that he would be seeking a third term.

While other Morris County municipality mayors serve on a part-time basis and receive stipends, the mayor of Parsippany is a full-time position and has a yearly salary of about $117,000.

Democrats Thomas Fulco and Michael Soriano have registered their potential candidacy for mayor with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission. The filing deadline is April 3.

The Republican Primary is scheduled for June 6.

Email: myers@northjersey.com