Democrats Announce Candidates For Parsippany Council

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Three Democratic candidates have announced their intentions to run in the upcoming election for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council.

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Democratic County Committee announced their support for Judy Hernandez, Bernard Clarkin, and Matt Kavanagh as the Democratic ticket for the upcoming election.

Hernandez is a 24-year resident of Parsippany and has previously served on the Parsippany Planning Board, the Environmental Advisory Committee, and the board for the Parsippany Child Day Care Center.

Clark, a 35-year resident of Parsippany, is a newcomer to township politics, but having owned and operated a small business for the last 10 years, he will bring decades of financial and budgeting experience to the council, the committee said.

Kavanagh is a 10-year resident of Parsippany, and he is the co-leader of the Parsippany Green Team and currently serves as the chief operating officer of an energy services company.

"We’re running for council to stop astronomical tax increases and put Parsippany on a path to resilience and stability," the trio said in their campaign announcement. "Our campaign will be about listening to residents and proposing real solutions based on your feedback. We can’t wait to meet you and listen to your ideas for Parsippany’s future."

Long-time council members Michael dePierro and Loretta Gragnani both previously announced that they would not be running for re-election in 2023.

dePierro announced his decision not to run for re-election during a council meeting in January. He also stepped down as Council president, as planned, and handed over the gavel to new President Gragnani.

"It is now time to let go," dePierro said.

Gragnani later confirmed she will not run for re-election after serving two terms.

With both of their terms coming to an end, the five-member council will see at least two significant changes in 2023.

Three council seats, currently held by dePierro, Gragnani and Council Member Paul Carifi Jr., are up for election this year.