Barberio: Candidates' Claims Motivated by 'Insatiable Greed'

Editor's note: The following is a statement from Mayor James Barberio, who speaks out against Township Council candidate Dr. Louis Valori's March 3 job offer allegations against him. 

I appreciate the opportunity to issue public comment regarding the false and defamatory comments recently made by Lou Valori, that were undoubtedly coordinated with the Carifi campaign.

First and foremost Mr. Valori's allegation that he was offered a job in exchange for not running for Town Council is false, and Lou Valori knows it! As most people know, Lou Valori has teamed up with my opponent to run for Town Council because Carifi and Valori didn't get what they wanted.

Mr. Valori's false allegations and his candidacy are motivated by Valori's insatiable greed to take as much taxpayer money as he can for himself. Last year, just months before he was slated to retire from the Parsippany Police Department, Lou Valori demanded that I promote him to the rank of lieutenant so that he could pad his pension. His quote was "do the right thing; I have been an honorable and loyal soldier." Notwithstanding my longterm friendship with Lou Valori, I could not promote him on the eve of his retirement just to boost his pension. That would not be fair to our taxpayers. Currently, Lou Valori, a young man in his 40s, receives an $85,000 per year pension and lifetime family health benefits compliments of our taxpayers. In addition, Valori will receive a $167,000 payment for accrued vacation and sick time. Incredibly, $85,000 per year is not enough taxpayer money for Lou.

Previously, Lou Valori wrote a very nice from the heart letter endorsing me. What's changed since Valori wrote that letter? He didn't get his promotion! That is why he is running for Council; that is why he has teamed up with Carifi; that is why he is making false allegations against me.

Similarly, the Carifis are angry that I didn't promote James Carifi to the position of Police Deputy Chief.

They are so upset that James is suing the town even though he was not eligible for the promotion. That is the real reason why brother Paul is running for Mayor.

Paul Carifi, also a young man in his 40s, receives a lucrative pension and lifetime health benefits compliments of our taxpayers as well.

At his announcement speech just weeks ago, Paul Carifi promised our residents he would run an issue-oriented campaign. Mr. Carifi's first act is to break the first promise he made to our residents. Now, rather than focusing on issues, Carifi dispatches his fellow disgruntled Police Officer Lou Valori out to smear me with lies, innuendos and false allegations. That is one of the many reasons why the Carifis should not control our town. While the Carifi smear machine is in full swing, I am continuing to stay focused on doing the job the residents elected me to do. I am continuing to cut costs and increase services and manage our town in the best possible way.

So, both Carifi and Valori are running for office not to make a positive difference for Parsippany, but to seek revenge. All of the Carifi/Valori smears must be viewed in that light.

I am running for Mayor of Parsippany because I love my hometown and care deeply about its future.

Going forward, my campaign will focus on the issues and how to keep Parsippany moving in the right direction. My running mates and I have a clear vision to increase revenues and cut costs in efforts to stabilize our taxes, and continue to serve our families, seniors and veterans.