Election 2021: Parsippany Council Candidate Robert Peluso

PARSIPPANY, NJ — In a few short weeks the first wave in election season 2021 reaches the Garden State and Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before the June 8 primary election.

Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will get published between now and the primary election.

Here is the response from Parsippany Town Council candidate Robert Peluso.

Name: Robert Peluso
Age: 51
Town of residence: Township of Parsippany-Troy HIlls
Position sought: Council
Party affiliation: Republican
Family: Married to Wife Ildiko and proud father of son Robert. I am the Son of Robert and Barbara Peluso of Parsippany that raised me our hometown.

Education:

Masters of Business Administration Degree in Finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Montclair State University Graduate Parsippany School District Morris County Vocational School Apprentice
Graduate Morris County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Morris Program

Occupation:

35 plus years in Executive Leadership positions within the Financial, Government, and Non Profit Sectors and most recently 2nd Vice President Government Banking. He is also the Founder and Managing Member of North Jersey Regional Partnership, LLC. and a Consultant for small businesses with NJSBDC of Northwest Jersey, Rutgers Business School.

Previous or current elected appointed office:

Councilman Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
Council Vice President Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
Economic Development Advisory Committee/Chair Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
Municipal Alliance Committee Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
Republican County Committee

Why are you seeking elective office?

In the last year I was approached by neighbors, involved citizens and friends throughout Parsippany and encouraged to return to the Council. My record speaks for itself. I am a proven fiscal conservative, having held the line on taxes. I helped cut wasteful spending and reduced debt. Taxpayers are tired of the lack of accountability on the part of politicians who ignore real problems. I listen to our residents everyday and understand their concerns. As a lifelong resident and dedicated volunteer in our community, I care about Parsippany’s future, and I care about the opportunities our families have to enjoy a quality life. The practice of politicians rubber- stamping hasty decisions and municipal proposals without proper due diligence and community outreach must stop. I learned the values of integrity, hard work, and keeping promises and that is exactly what I will continue to bring as your Councilman.

The single most pressing issue facing us is recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. What do you intend to do about it?

COVID-19 has affected all of our families and our way of life. I personally experienced the consequences of this disease with our loved ones and lost friends that contracted COVID-19. Implementing and following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for COVID-19 procedures to prevent exposure, infection, and spreading is vital. Going forward, it has changed the way we interact in our community and in conducting business. My experience from serving on our Township Council, volunteering as President of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and our Township Economic Development Advisory Board has prepared me to keep our residents, businesses, and Township employees safe through educational programs and sharing services through private-public partnerships. We need to ensure that we apply disease prevention and control and provide the necessary health education and resources to our Health and Safety Department, ambulance squads, fire departments, and rescue and recovery of which I have had the honor of working with throughout my career. As a graduate of the Parsippany and Morris County Citizens Police Academy and a member of our Community Emergency Response Team, I am prepared to assist our first responders and front-line workers address our health and safety issues.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

This year’s election is about who is the best candidate to tackle the challenges for the future and provide for a more responsive and accountable township. I have a record of accomplishments on CouncilI was raised in our community, and I have life experiences as a taxpayer, husband, and parent. For over 35 years I worked in executive leadership positions in finance, managing municipal operating accounts, investments and debt. My education, with a BS in Management and MBA in Corporate Finance, enables me to analyze and understand property tax rates which is integral in reducing our tax burden. Understanding the financial intricacies of the budget process will be instrumental in cutting municipal spending and debt, holding the line on water and sewer bills, and stopping overdevelopment, while being honest and ensuring that we have a transparent government.

I have a proven track record of giving back to our community in many organizations. I have served as RMS PTA Treasurer, a coach/sponsor with Parsippany Soccer, the President of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, VP of Parsippany HIstorical and Preservation Society, Chair of Economic Development Advisory Board, and Board Director of Downtown NJ. I stand by record of accomplishments and service.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My prior service as a Council member. My fellow Council members had confidence in my ability to manage government and voted twice for me as their Vice President With my fellow Council members I was able to hold the line on taxes and propose common sense spending reductions while preserving valuable services. I was able to eliminate wasteful spending and hold the line on water/sewer bills. I was a vocal opponent of overdevelopment and called out political patronage, I served as a liaison on many committees including Budget, Finance, Economic Development, Environmental, Historical, Municipal Alliance, and League of Municipalities. While serving on these committees I ensured that we were transparent and open to the public When our chamber of commerce was going to close, I volunteered to become President and changed the organization to represent not only the businesses, but also the residents and volunteers. When I founded the Parsippany Area Visitor Center, we sparked economic development, job creation, and enhanced revenue for our Township to offset taxes. I believe public service is where you can make a positive impact for our residents who are frequently forgotten. I have the steadfast dedication, desire and ability to stand up for our residents to build a stronger community and would be honored to serve as Councilman.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My father served in the U.S. Air Force as Air Police Officer and my grandfather served the U.S. Army where he was wounded several times and awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery and standing up for our county. They always encouraged me to work hard, be honest, have integrity and stand up for our residents. They led by example and always encouraged me to give back to our community which I have done throughout my life.