Jonathan Nelson’s Business Failures Contradict Campaign Hype

Tax Judgments and Unpaid Debts Highlight Councilman’s Alarming Record

(Parsippany-Troy Hills) – Mayor James R. Barberio today is calling on his opponent Jonathan Nelson to begin telling the truth about his record of business leadership.  Nelson, a Township Councilman who was elected in 2012, has continually promoted his business experience to curry favor with voters, stating on his website that he is “A small business owner for two decades...” and that he “owned and operated two restaurants in Parsippany.”

A review of public information databases however document a bizarre history of unpaid obligations and judgments filed against Nelson and his businesses.  This record raises serious questions about his financial integrity and ability to serve as Mayor.

·         On August 6th, 1998 a judgment was filed against Nelson and his business New Arlington Kosher Deli and Restaurant on behalf of the New Jersey Division of Taxation in the amount of $11,116.37. (Judgment Summary DJ204381 98)*

·         On January 6th, 2004 a judgment was filed against Nelson and his business Powder Mill Kosher Deli and Restaurant on behalf of the New Jersey Division of Taxation in the amount of $6,863.61. (Judgment Summary DJ238453 04)*

·         On June 7, 2012 another judgment was filed against Nelson and his business Powder Mill Kosher Deli and Restaurant on behalf of the New Jersey Division of Taxation in the amount of $16,622.60. (Judgment Summary DJ118425 12)*

“While every business may go through a tough time, three tax judgments such as these indicate a serial problem of, at best case, ineffective management,” said Barberio.  “The fact that Nelson is trying to use this experience to sell why he should be Mayor is a shockingly obnoxious slap in the face of the voters.  His real record indicates that his business ability could be disastrous for Parsippany”

Records also indicate the New Jersey Division of Taxation is not the only creditor to have trouble collecting unpaid debts from Nelson’s businesses.

·         On February 3, 2009 a judgment was filed against Nelson and his business Powder Mill Kosher Deli and Restaurant on behalf of AdvanceMeInc in the amount of $19,252.89.  According to the company website AdvanceMeInc a lending company specializing in loaning working capital to businesses. (Judgment Summary J034169 09)*

“As a business owner, Jonathan Nelson has racked up over $50,000 in judgments against him,” remarked Barberio.  “Jonathan Nelson's failure to pay his taxes and bills demonstrate that he is fiscally irresponsible and unfit to be Mayor.”

The Mayor says he welcomes the opportunity to allow the people of Parsippany to compare his record to Nelson’s throughout the campaign. 

“We introduced a budget this year that did not raise taxes and Jonathan Nelson voted against that budget,” says Barberio.   “We have been working hard for the last four years to bring fiscal accountability and stability to this community – and we have worked to hold the line on taxes.  It is unfortunate that during this same period Jonathan Nelson has been working to avoid paying his own taxes.

“It takes more than words to run a Township the size of Parsippany.  As Mayor you have to be accountable to people and cannot walk away from your financial obligations like Mr. Nelson has spent his career doing.”

*Source:  New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Public Records