No Changes On Parsippany Council As Incumbents Keep Seats

PARSIPPANY, NJ — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Council remains unchanged despite last night's election, with all three Republican incumbents being reelected.

Republicans Paul Carifi Jr., Michael dePierro, and Loretta Gragnani bested Democrats Cori A. Herbig, Robert Kaminski, and Judith Hernandez to keep their seats on the council. The results have not yet been certified by the clerk, but the Republican ticket is currently ahead by two percentage points. (You can find the current, uncertified vote totals at the bottom of the article.)

Both campaigns issued statements Wednesday morning, thanking their supporters.

"Thank you to all our supporters, friends and family! We are grateful for all the help, the encouragement, and your votes. We, Michael, Paul, and Loretta, look forward to serving the town we love!" the Republican ticket said.

"Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout our campaign and to those who came out to vote. It was an incredible journey and we are humbled to have had you all along with us for the ride. We are committed to keep Parsippany moving forward, so be sure to keep an eye out for us in the future. We’ll be around town as always, helping to keep Parsippany moving in the right direction however we can. We are counting on you to do the same. Onward!" the Democratic slate said.

dePierro has served on the council for nine non-consecutive terns, from 1982-1997, and 2000-present. He has been the president and vice president of the council at various times during his service on the board.

"Serving Parsippany has been a labor of love for me and I wish to continue," dePierro said.

Current council president Carifi was first appointed in 2011 to fill a vacancy, and was later elected to the seat.

"I have always said that as long as I am in office I will always listen to the people. Based on how I have voted on many issues I believe residents know that. I work for our residents and I have never forgotten that. I have always strived to protect the quality of life of all of our residents," Carifi said in a question and answer with Patch during the campaign season.

In addition to her four years of experience as a councilwoman, Gragnani was a business owner in the township for 29 years.

"I have seen Parsippany grow and prosper, become a multi cultural and diverse community. We have received an A+ rating for the quality of life in our township. As a Councilwoman I will continue to focus on assisting our volunteers, shared services with the Board of Education, and our Police Department for Security Resource Officers who contribute so much to the safety and well being of our students and residents," Gragnani said in the question and answer.

Vote totals remain uncertified as of Wednesday afternoon. Here are the totals with all districts reporting, but not including provisional or some mail-in ballots:

• Michael J. dePierro, Republican 4,883
• Paul Carifi Jr., Republican 4,728
• Loretta Gragnani, Republican 4,775
• Cori A. Herbig, Democrat 4,465
• Robert Kaminski, Democrat 4,484

• Judith Hernandez, Democrat 4,562