PARSIPPANY – The Morris County Republican Committee is looking to unite the county’s largest town, but it isn’t happening.

Councilman Justin Musella, who announced a GOP primary challenge to Mayor Jamie Barberio last June, says he’s staying in the race.
Or as he put it:

“Our campaign to end the cycle of corruption, overtaxation, and taxpayer funded overdevelopment of Parsippany cannot be intimidated.”

Last Friday, County Chair Laura Ali proposed settling the looming intra-party fight with a unity ticket. Barberio would run for reelection as mayor on the same ticket with Musella and fellow councilman Frank Neglia.

Ali has not always been in agreement with Barberio. Local Republicans remember that back in 2023, the mayor endorsed Thomas Mastrangelo’s challenge to incumbent state Sen. Joseph Pennacchio against the wishes of the county committee.

But now she’s looking ahead – and also a bit behind.

Republicans had a good 2024 election – in most places.

In Parsippany, however, as Ali noted, the Dems’ state and national ticket did well. Kamala Harris, Andy Kim and Mikie Sherrill all carried the town, prompting Ali to write:

“These results underscore the challenges of mobilizing a winning coalition in a township that has increasingly leaned Democratic in recent elections. The outcomes should serve as a call to action for us all – we must do everything possible to present a cohesive, compelling ticket that represents our party’s strongest attributes and that Parsippany voters can confidently rally behind.”

That means forgetting about a divisive primary and putting personal ambitions aside.

“Mayor Barberio brings to the table the experience and track record that Parsippany needs to continue forward momentum. Councilmen Musella and Neglia bring perspectives and demonstrated commitment to our community’s prosperity. Together, their collective leadership offers a well-rounded and formidable team that will stand out in the eyes of voters across the political spectrum. This ticket will have the full, unwavering support of the Morris County Republican Party.”

But … a primary:

“Conversely, an extended primary battle between our own loyal Republicans presents a gigantic risk.  It will weaken our momentum and paint a picture of division that the opposing party will undoubtedly exploit. We cannot afford to be divided. By aligning behind a unity ticket now, we would position ourselves to focus wholly on defeating the Democrats in the general election.”

Ali called for a meeting on Sunday (yesterday) to discuss her idea, but Musella quickly said he would not attend.

And a few hours later, he dispatched a missive of his own, determined to stay in the race.
It ended thusly;
“See you on the campaign trail.”

In response, Ali said:

“It was upsetting that Justin thinks his time was more valuable than the people who attended Sunday’s meeting, which included a police chief, Denville councilman, Eucharistic minister, the Commissioner Director and a state Assemblyman. Hardly a group making a dirty deal like the councilman is alleging. Simply put: His campaign has lost any momentum, is poorly run and has turned into a suicide mission. With a newborn infant at home, one would think he would jump at a chance for a peaceful spring. But according to Musella, he knows more and better than all of us do, including our elected officials.

I’ll still hold out hope he comes to his senses and becomes a team player.”