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Morris County, NJ

Seward Johnson Exhibition at Willowwood Arboretum Cited for Excellence

The Morris County Park Commission has received the Excellence in Special Events Award from the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association (NJRPA) for “The Living Sculpture: A Seward Johnson Exhibition at Willowwood Arboretum,” a special installation that was open daily to the public from July until November last year.

“Congratulations to the Morris County Park Commission on receiving the distinguished award from the NJRPA. This certainly was a unique exhibit featured at the Willowwood Arboretum and I know a lot of work went into coordinating it. Everyone involved in putting this special project together for the public deserves to be applauded,” said Morris County Commissioner Doug Cabana, liaison to the Morris County Parks Commission.

Johnson, known for his life sized and large-scale bronze sculptures that depict everyday life, was born in New Jersey in 1930. He founded the Johnson Atelier Technical Institute of Sculpture in 1974 and The Grounds for Sculpture Park and Museum in 1992, both in Hamilton, N.J.

The sculptures had been previously exhibited in downtown business areas, but the exhibit at Willowwood Arboretum placed the sculptures in bucolic outdoor surroundings similar to The Grounds for Sculpture Park.

“The goal of Morris County’s ‘The Living Sculpture: A Seward Johnson Exhibition’ was to bring art to the average citizen. Although the Johnson sculptures are available for regular public exhibits through the Johnson Atelier, it is somewhat unusual for a park system to be able to provide such access,” said David Guida, an NJRPA Awards Committee Member. “Johnson’s vision is to make sculpture accessible to all; how fitting that the Willowwood Arboretum exhibit was able to do just that.”

The award was formally presented this past Tuesday to the Morris County Park Commission during a meeting at the Morris County Cultural Center in Morris Township. Guida initially presented the award on Feb. 27 to Commission Assistant Deputy Director Denise Lanza during the NJRPA Annual Awards Dinner in Atlantic City.

“Parks have an essential purpose in bringing communities together,” said Lanza. “That we could exhibit Johnson’s artwork in a natural setting and make it available for the public to enjoy is a testament to that objective.”

The exhibit was on loan from the Johnson Atelier and the loan fee for the sculptures was covered by the Alliance for Morris County Parks through grants and sponsorships, and included funds from the Park Commission’s Tubbs Trust, and the Willowwood Foundation.

The Morris County Park Commission maintains more than 20,455 acres of parkland, the largest county park system in the state, which includes 253 miles of trails and 38 special facilities, from an ice-skating arena and arboreta to a variety of conservation, educational and recreational amenities. More than 4 million people visit Morris County parks and facilities each year to experience nature and a variety of award-winning programs, special events and activities for all ages.

For more information about the Morris County parks and upcoming events activities, visit morrisparks.net.

The NJRPA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting parks and recreation. The purpose of the NJRPA Awards Program is to honor and identify dedicated leaders, employees and volunteers in the field of Parks and Recreation, and to recognize the state’s outstanding Recreation and Park agencies for excellence in programming.

Morris County, NJ

Proclamation and 2024 “Seeds of Change” Award Presented

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners closed out Women’s History Month by presenting a framed proclamation to the Morris County Advisory Committee on Women this week, who in turn honored this year’s “Seeds of Change” award recipient.

“Let us recognize the Advisory Committee on Women, which was established by the former Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2004 to promote the interests of women and recommend programs to help meet the needs of women in Morris County,” said Commissioner Director Christine Myers. “On behalf of the County Commissioners, I am honored to present this proclamation of Women’s History Month to your committee and thank you for your volunteerism in the service of all our residents.”

Commissioner Director Myers invited Donna Boyce, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Women, to accept a framed copy of the proclamation, which the board adopted by resolution on March 8. Ms. Boyce then announced the nominee for the Morris County 2024 Seeds of Change Award, which is presented annually to a woman volunteer who has improved the community through her leadership and inspiration to other women in the county.

This year’s recipient, Debby Seme, was chosen for her leadership as president of Impact100 Garden State since 2020. The Morris County-based all-women, all-volunteer organization combines member donations to give $100,000 grants. During Ms. Seme’s tenure, she has led the organization in steady growth in membership and grantmaking despite the economic challenges for donors and nonprofits amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Serving as president has provided me with countless opportunities to meet and work with our members, women who are kind and fun and hardworking, and who share my passion for Impact100. As president, I am also able to witness the amazing amount of work that gets done, all by women volunteers, to keep this organization thriving. Receiving this award is truly humbling and inspiring,” said Seme.

Over the years, Impact100 Garden State grants have supported many residents throughout the county, including those served by Cornerstone Family Programs, the County College of Morris Foundation, Family Promise of Morris County, Head Start Morris County, Homeless Solutions, Interfaith Food Pantry Network, Roots & Wings and Zufall Health. Impact100 Garden State had a record 375 members and granted $375,000 to local nonprofits in 2023.

In total, Impact100 Garden State has donated more than $3 million since 2013.

The “Seeds of Change” Volunteer Award was inspired by the late Sen. Leanna Brown, who passed in 2016. The honor is intended to highlight and celebrate women who build up other women, including those who volunteer at the grassroots level in the community. This is the fifth “Seeds of Change Award” to be issued since 2018.

The Advisory Committee on Women was established by the former Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2004 to promote the interests of women and recommend programs to help meet the needs of women in Morris County.

WRNJ Radio

By Jay Edwards

Budget Structurally Balanced; 8.8% Ratable Growth Offsets Costs

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ – The Morris County Board of County Commissioners tonight introduced their 2024 Budget with no increase in the tax rate for a fifth consecutive year, due to another year of growing ratables and prudent fiscal management to overcome rising costs.

“Despite state mandates driving up costs and hikes in expenses that are out of our control, such as health care costs, Morris County is again introducing a thoughtful, fiscally responsible budget. It addresses our obligation as County Commissioners to provide the services our residents require and deserve. It makes the investments necessary to keep Morris County the premier county in New Jersey, and yet it still enables us to keep the tax rate flat,” said Commissioner Deborah Smith, Chair of the Commissioners’ Budget Committee.

The proposed $365.3 million spending plan was presented to the full board by the Budget Committee, including Commissioners Doug Cabana and John Krickus. The plan continues to prioritize investments in public safety, infrastructure, education and economic development, and expands services to veterans.

Highlights in the budget include:

• A combined $77.8 million towards public safety.
• More than $24 million to support education, including career training at the County College of Morris and the Morris County Vocational School District.
• A record $900,000 invested in Economic Development and Tourism, with $100,000 for planning Morris County’s celebration of the American Revolution.
• $9 million to support the Morris County Park Commission, stewards of the largest county park system in New Jersey (20,455 acres of parkland)
• Adding $300,000 to homeless services provided by the Office of Temporary Assistance, with a total of $38.1 million for Human Services and Health Services.

“Public safety remains a paramount interest.  The 2024 Budget provides strong funding to our Sheriff’s Department, his Patrol Division, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and our Department of Law & Public Safety,” said Commissioner Krickus, noting public safety spending is being increased by more than $3 million.

Prudent fiscal management and an 8.8 percent increase in ratables also helped Morris County to address growing expenses forced by mounting state mandates on operations at the Morris County Clerk’s Office and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

“Our 2024 Budget also continues the Preservation Trust Fund investments that bolster the quality of life here and attract the people and businesses making Morris County the premier place to live, work and raise a family,” said Commissioner Krickus. “To date, we have invested $169 million in farmland preservation, $295 million in open space preservation, $50 million into historic preservation, $100 million into flood mitigation and $5 million in trail design and construction.”

The budget also focuses on the needs of veterans and families facing homelessness.

“We continue to expand our commitment to our veterans by funding a fourth Veterans Service Officer and a seasonal intern. We also are expanding our services to the growing homeless population,” said Commissioner Doug Cabana.

“We certainly are grateful to have nonprofit partners helping us to address the needs of our neighbors who find themselves seeking shelter. But it should be understood by everyone that the Morris County’s Human Services Department and its Office of Temporary Assistance serve the majority of our homeless population — and the most troubled individuals found in that population,” Cabana said.

The 2024 Budget doubles to $300,000 a line item in emergency assistance funding to shelter and support people experiencing homelessness. The budget also allocates another $150,000 toward funding allocated to prevent people from becoming homeless.

The introduced 2024 Budget also includes the 2024 Capital Spending Plan initially presented in December, putting nearly $35 million toward many projects, among them road resurfacing, improving intersections replacing bridges in the county and maintaining county facilities.

The Morris County Commissioners will consider adoption of the 2024 Budget at their Wednesday, April 10 public meeting.

Morristown Green

From the Morris County Commissioners:

No Tax Rate Increase in Morris County Budget for 5th Consecutive Year

Budget Structurally Balanced; 8.8 Percent Ratable Growth Offsets Costs

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday introduced their 2024 Budget with no increase in the tax rate for a fifth consecutive year, due to another year of growing ratables and prudent fiscal management to overcome rising costs.

“Despite state mandates driving up costs and hikes in expenses that are out of our control, such as health care costs, Morris County is again introducing a thoughtful, fiscally responsible budget. It addresses our obligation as County Commissioners to provide the services our residents require and deserve. It makes the investments necessary to keep Morris County the premier county in New Jersey, and yet it still enables us to keep the tax rate flat,” said Commissioner Deborah Smith, chair of the Commissioners’ Budget Committee.

The proposed $365.3 million spending plan was presented to the full board by the Budget Committee, including Commissioners Doug Cabana and John Krickus. The plan continues to prioritize investments in public safety, infrastructure, education and economic development, and expands services to veterans.

Highlights in the budget include:

• A combined $77.8 million towards public safety.
• More than $24 million to support education, including career training at the County College of Morris and the Morris County Vocational School District.
• A record $900,000 invested in Economic Development and Tourism, with $100,000 for planning Morris County’s celebration of the American Revolution.
• $9 million to support the Morris County Park Commission, stewards of the largest county park system in New Jersey (20,455 acres of parkland)
• Adding $300,000 to homeless services provided by the Office of Temporary Assistance, with a total of $38.1 million for Human Services and Health Services.

View the Budget Presentation

“Public safety remains a paramount interest. The 2024 Budget provides strong funding to our Sheriff’s Department, his Patrol Division, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and our Department of Law & Public Safety,” said Commissioner Krickus, noting public safety spending is being increased by more than $3 million.

Prudent fiscal management and an 8.8 percent increase in ratables also helped Morris County to address growing expenses forced by mounting state mandates on operations at the Morris County Clerk’s Office and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

“Our 2024 Budget also continues the Preservation Trust Fund investments that bolster the quality of life here and attract the people and businesses making Morris County the premier place to live, work and raise a family,” said Commissioner Krickus.

“To date, we have invested $169 million in farmland preservation, $295 million in open space preservation, $50 million into historic preservation, $100 million into flood mitigation and $5 million in trail design and construction.”

The budget also focuses on the needs of veterans and families facing homelessness.

“We continue to expand our commitment to our veterans by funding a fourth Veterans Service Officer and a seasonal intern. We also are expanding our services to the growing homeless population,” said Commissioner Doug Cabana.

“We certainly are grateful to have nonprofit partners helping us to address the needs of our neighbors who find themselves seeking shelter. But it should be understood by everyone that the Morris County’s Human Services Department and its Office of Temporary Assistance serve the majority of our homeless population — and the most troubled individuals found in that population,” added Commissioner Cabana.

The 2024 Budget doubles to $300,000 a line item in emergency assistance funding to shelter and support people experiencing homelessness. The budget also allocates another $150,000 toward funding allocated to prevent people from becoming homeless.

The introduced 2024 Budget also includes the 2024 Capital Spending Plan initially presented in December, putting nearly $35 million toward many projects, among them road resurfacing, improving intersections replacing bridges in the county and maintaining county facilities.

The Morris County Commissioners will consider adoption of the 2024 Budget at their Wednesday, April 10, 2024, public meeting.

Morris County, NJ

IDF Paratrooper Honored at Chabad Center in Randolph

Morris County Commissioner Deborah Smith visited the Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Randolph on Sunday for an “Evening of Unity for Israel,” during which she presented a Resolution of Honor to an Israel Defense Forces paratrooper, Sergeant Major Noam Buskila, who has been on the front lines of battle in Israel.

“On this day, January 28, 2024, Sergeant Major Noam Buskila is being honored by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners for his heroic service as a paratrooper in the IDF. He has actively participated in the defense of Israel against terrorist attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah. Morris County applauds Sergeant Major Noam Buskila and prays for his safety in future missions defending the people of Israel,” said Commissioner Smith.

Guests were treated to a musical performance by Sgt. Major Buskila, who is also a talented singer and songwriter. A portion of the proceeds from the event were donated to Israel.

Commissioner Smith thanks Rabbi Avraham Bekhor for the invitation to the special evening that included Sheriff James Gannon, former State Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, State Senator Anthony Bucco, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Randolph Mayor Christine Carey and Randolph Councilmembers Mark Forstenhausler, Joe Hathaway, Lou Nisivoccia and Marie Potter.

The County Commissioners publicly declared their support for Israel during an October 11 Commissioner public meeting and several subsequent community gatherings.

The Jewish community has shaped Morris County’s history for more than 150 years. Jewish settlers began arriving in Morris County as far back as the Civil War. These early Jews settled in Morristown, a market town, Dover, a Morris Canal stop that grew around the area’s early iron industry, and the farming communities of Pine Brook in Montville and Mount Freedom in Randolph.

Morris County, NJ

The Academy for Mathematics, Science and Engineering Gets an Overall A+

The Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD) Academy for Mathematics, Science and Engineering ranked as New Jersey’s best public high school, according to a Niche.com ranking. Overall, the school rated an A+. 

The four-year academy has 180 students in grades 9-12 who attend the rigorous, highly focused program for those with career interests in engineering. They score highly on state tests, including 90 percent of students ranking at least 90 percent proficient in both math and reading.

The academy nationally ranks 3rd for STEM out of 9,676 schools and 15th best public high school out of 20,446. Additional national rankings:

• #3 best public high school teachers in America
• #8 best magnet high school in America
• #39 Best college prep public high school in America

One of six satellite academies administered by MCVSD, the Academy for Mathematics, Science and Engineering is located at Morris Hills High School in Rockaway. Five other satellite campuses are spread around the county, with ten academies located on the Morris County Vocational School District’s Denville campus.

MCVSD, with the support of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, is also expanding its educational opportunities. A groundbreaking ceremony took place this past September for MCVSD’s new Career Training Center that will be located on campus at the County College of Morris (CCM).

“The vo-tech career training center will expand the district by 30 percent, providing 500 career-focused and college-bound high school students access to specialized training and skills to prepare them for in-demand careers,” said Commissioner Director Christine Myers, liaison to the Board of School Estimate for CCM and MCSVD.

The two-story, 45,940 square-foot building will cost $24.8 million, with Morris County contributing $6.2 million of funding and the state providing $18.6 million under the Securing Our Children’s Future (SOCF) Bond Act. Commissioner John Krickus added that the county will also cover increased operating expenses once the facility is constructed.

The Academies provide high school students who share similar interests and aptitudes with a challenging and exciting curriculum designed to prepare them for the rigors of college, post-secondary technical training or entry-level employment.

Students interested in applying to a four-year academy should submit applications in the fall of their 8^th grade year. Applications are closed for this year.

Applications are now open for 15 Share Time and Technical Education Programs, including carpentry, auto body, allied heath, advanced manufacturing, exercise science, cosmetology, plumbing and electrical trades. Visit MCVSD’s website for more information.

Morristown Minute

By John Lange Jr.

Focused Investments on Infrastructure, Education, and Public Safety to Enhance Community Well-being.

Morristown, NJ – In a significant move to bolster community welfare, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners has revealed an extensive $35 million capital spending plan for 2024, addressing critical areas such as education, public safety, health, and infrastructure. The announcement, made during a public meeting in Morristown, highlights the board’s dedication to supporting the county’s veterans, and vulnerable residents, and the overall upkeep of county roads, bridges, and facilities.

The Capital Budget Committee, comprising Commissioners Tayfun Selen, Stephen H. Shaw, and Deborah Smith, emphasized the multi-faceted nature of the plan. It allocates significant funds for educational facilities, human services, public safety, health, county parks, and infrastructure improvements, excluding state grants and ongoing legacy commitments.

Commissioner Shaw, leading the budget committee, detailed the early commencement of the capital budget process, emphasizing the diverse and extensive inventory of county assets. This includes 287 miles of roads, 1,000 bridges, 3.4 million square feet of buildings, 20,000 acres of parkland, and three freight railroads.

A notable aspect of the plan is the strategic use of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to reduce future borrowing for capital projects. Commissioner Selen highlighted significant investments in bridge upgrades, including improvements in Dover, Mount Olive, and Parsippany, totaling $5.4 million. The plan also anticipates resurfacing 30 miles of county roadways, adding to the impressive 220.8 miles of roads revamped since 2016.

Commissioner Smith focused on the commitment to educational excellence, with a $4.2 million investment in constructing a 70,000-square-foot Center for Health Professions at the County College of Morris (CCM). The plan also includes investments in public safety agencies’ equipment and training, addressing human services needs, and ensuring the safety of the largest county park system in New Jersey.

The 2024 Capital Spending Highlights feature:

• $2.6 million for intersection improvements in various townships.
• $16.5 million for roadway resurfacing across 15 municipalities.
• $5.4 million for bridge and culvert projects in several locations.
• A $4.2 million investment in CCM’s new Center for Health Professions.
• Substantial funds for HVAC upgrades at the Votech’s Denville campus and IT enhancements at the Votech’s Career Training Center at CCM.
• ARPA funds augment traditional capital projects, including Votech and the County Correctional Facility.

The Morris County government, responsible for a vast array of assets and services, demonstrates a robust commitment to improving infrastructure and community services across its 39 municipalities. The 2024 capital plan not only underscores this commitment but also sets a precedent for responsible and forward-thinking municipal governance.

Morristown Daily Record

By William Westhoven

A trio of Morris County Commissioners are teaming together for the third time in the hopes of retaining the Republican stronghold on the county’s governing body.

Touting their record of no tax increases over the past four years, Republican incumbents Deborah Smith, John Krickus and Stephen Shaw say they will once again seek re-election as the “Keep Morris Strong” ticket in 2024.

The announcement last week stated priorities that include making “vital” improvements and expansions at the Morris County School of Technology and County College of Morris.

Part of a seven-member all-GOP board that has not included a Democrat since 1973, Smith, Krickus and Shaw first ran together in 2018. They prevailed in a relatively tight race that saw Shaw win the third and final three-year term over Democrat Mary Dougherty (wife of Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty) by about 6,000 votes, or just over 1% of the ballots cast.

Smith, Krickus and Shaw had an easier time in 2021, each easily outdistancing their Democrat opponents by at least 27,000 votes.

Can Democrats close the gap?

This year, their announcement came with a long list of endorsements from elected leaders, including Sheriff James Gannon, 25 Morris County mayors and all 12 state legislators representing the county in districts 21, 24, 25 and 26.

“This unprecedented support also indicates that the Morris County Republican party is ready to unite early so we can start working right away in 2024 to elect Republicans and focus our resources on the fall campaign,” the candidates stated in their announcement.

They also have endorsements from fellow commissioners Christine Meyer, Tayfun Selen and Doug Cabana. Notable Republicans absent on their endorsement list are Commissioner Tom Mastrangelo and Parsippany Mayor James Barberio, who in recent years have won elections while being at odds with the county Republican Committee.

Signs of hope for Democrats

The GOP has dominated politics in most of Morris County for decades, but there are signs the electorate is losing some of its red tint. Democrats have been closing the gap in voter registrations and made gains in municipal races in November’s elections. U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Montclair Democrat, easily won re-election last year to the Morris-centric 11th Congressional District.

No Democrats have declared as of yet for the commissioner’s race, which will be decided on Nov. 5 next year.

New Jersey Globe

By David Wildstein

Democrats haven’t won a countywide race in 50 years, but Biden, Booker, Dem congressional candidates won Morris in 2020

Three Republican incumbents will seek re-election as Morris County Commissioner next year.

The announcement by Deborah Smith, John Krickus, and Stephen Shaw included endorsements from Morris County GOP Chair Laura Marie Ali, all twelve members of next year’s Morris County legislative delegation, Sheriff James Gannon, County Commissioners Doug Cabana, Christine Myers and Tayfun Selen, and 28 mayors.

“We are honored to have earned the overwhelming endorsement of Republican leaders at the state, county, and local levels,” Smith, Krickus and Shaw said.  “As former local officials we know that no one is more in touch with residents then our town leaders, and their overwhelming support is gratifying.”

Missing from the list are Parsippany Mayor James Barberio, County Clerk Ann Grossi, and County Commissioner Tom Mastrangelo.

One possible challenger is Robert Peluso, a former Parsippany councilman who ran for State Assembly in this year’s GOP primary on a ticket with Mastrangelo.

“This unprecedented support also indicates that the Morris County Republican party is ready to unite early so we can start working right away in 2024 to elect Republicans and focus our resources on the fall campaign,” the incumbents stated.

Democrats have not won a county office in Morris since 1973, when Douglas Romaine road the Watergate Democratic wave that year to a single term as a freeholder.

This year, incumbent Tayfun Selen was re-elected by 6,220 votes, 53%-47%, in an election with a 30% voter turnout.  Morris County backed Republican State Senate candidates by 9,585 votes, 54%-46%.

In 2020, Joe Biden carried Morris County by 12,747 votes, 51%-47%, against Donald Trump; U.S. Senator Cory Booker also won Morris County, by 4,775 votes, 50%-48%, and Democratic congressional candidates won the county by a narrow 3,981 votes, 50%-49%.

But in the race for county commissioner, Selen defeated Democrat Cary Amaro by 12,758 votes, 52%-48%.