How to choose a mayor

Tuesday, November 5th is Election Day.

Voters in Parsippany will go to the polls to pick our next mayor.

And what do we citizens expect that person to do?

What kind of government do we want for our town?

What kind of leadership?

In a large and diverse town like Parsippany, we should hope for more than an official who is a cameo at ribbon-cuttings.  We should elect someone smart, who investigates issues, listens to citizens, is fair and reasonably polite in public.  We should hope that the mayor would work with the council for the benefit of the town.  We would expect that employees would be competent and chosen for their merits, not their political connections.

Our current mayor has failed us in many ways. 

He has publicly shouted at employees of the town, and made untrue statements about citizens in public forums.

He has appointed less qualified employees for political or personal gain.

He has had “secret” meetings with some groups and individuals for political gain.

He uses the town website as an election platform.

The town attorney, appointed by the mayor, appears to set the agenda for town council actions.

Capable people have been dismissed from advisory committees and boards.

The purposes and activities of the Open Space Committee have been compromised.

At least three employee grievance lawsuits have had to be resolved.

Legal expenses have been kept from council scrutiny.

Ask any town employee if things are running smoothly.

Their answer might surprise you.

Parsippany deserves better.

A vote for Jonathan Nelson is a vote for intelligence, careful consideration of the important issues facing Parsippany, and a vote for someone who truly cares about the town and its citizens.

Being mayor is not about slogans and photographs: it is about planning, management, fairness and respect of the citizens and employees of the town.  Jonathan Nelson can and will be such a mayor.