Vote To Censure Parsippany Councilman Justin Musella Fails

PARSIPPANY, NJ — A months-long effort to censure Councilman Justin Musella spear-headed by political rival Mayor James Barberio died on the dais Tuesday night, as the council voted down the motion.

This is the second time in a week Barberio tried to get the motion off the ground, at the regularly scheduled March 18 meeting, during which the Fire Marshall announced the building was over capacity, and the meeting was adjourned shortly after it started.

Tuesday's meeting was moved to Parsippany Hills High School to handle the larger-then-normal crowd.

In 2024, Musella announced his intent to run against Barberio in the Republican primary for mayor in 2025. Barberio later accused Musella of an ethical violation, claiming the councilman used his title to get out of a speeding ticket.

The process came to a head last night with 40 members of the public speaking out against the censure procedure.

"Lets not sit on a soap box - anybody," said a Parsippany police officer from the audience. "I've been pulled over, and I've been the recipient of [a] professional courtesy."

When another audience member asked the officer if he received this professional courtesy seven times, the officer responded by saying he has been a police officer for 22 years, and that he guarantees he's been pulled over at least seven times.

The round of voting was successfully completed, with personal commentary from some of the council members.

"Justin you're young, you're immature, you make mistakes - that's part of growing up," said Council Vice President Frank Neglia to Musella.

"We all have done stupid things like that, and I don't want to attack you for my personal reasons, I want to listen the facts here that I've heard tonight [from] my co-council members," Neglia continued, "and...I have my personal reasons, I'm you know what they are, but I want to put those aside and [do] the right thing. I have to agree with my co-council Matt McGrath and also vote no."

In addition to casting his vote opposing the censure, McGrath also proposed that township police officers no longer provide professional courtesy to elected officials when they pull them over.

The audience and the council both applauded this idea.

"The resolution is dead," said Council President Paul Carifi Jr., to close out the meeting.