Strumolo Rolls Up Sleeves for Last-Minute Council Campaign

Michael Strumolo was almost as surprised by his last-minute decision to run for Town Council in the June 4 Republican Party primary election as many others were.

"It was a late decision, I'll be truthful," he told Patch. "I didn't have any plans for it, but I thought about the town and thought I could do some good.

"I've had concerns about the direction of the community, and I'm concerned about the direction of the Republican Party, with all the in-house fighting," he said."I got the signatures we needed the weekend before [the April 1 filing deadline]. My son Matt and I went out and got 104, 105 signatures for the petition." 

Strumolo said his campaign for council will be unlike any others—and will remain focused on tangible issues.

"I'm not going to attack anybody," he vowed. "I'm not running with or against anybody. I am running for the seat that is vacant."

Asked about his most important issues, he responded by saying his record as a former council member and as a present six-year member of the Parsippany Board of Education have gone a long way toward telling voters who he is and what he stands for.

"I have a proven record of being a conservative. I believe in doing more with less. I also believe in representing the voice of the people," he said. "I'm not an elegant speaker and don't try to be. I own a gas station; I've got dirt under my nails. I'm just a regular working guy who cares about his community."

In Strumolo's view, the Township Council needs to become a body that listens to its constituents.

"Parsippany is at a very important crossroads where it needs people to represent the community and not special interests," he said. "In my time on the council and on the board of education, I've always tried to represent the people. I decided I want to go back to the council because when it comes to taxes and budgets and the many tough issues facing us, the people's voice needs to be heard.

"I really want John Q. Citizen to have a voice in their government."

One of Strumolo's concerns was the council's non-unanimous decision to forgive the last January because of ongoing fiscal straits.  

The candidate was not in favor of that move.

"If a working guy was running into problems paying his water bill, would he have his debt forgiven? I don't think so," he said. "As a utility, the Knoll is supposed to be self-supporting, not getting breaks on the backs of taxpayers."

Strumolo said that should he win a council seat, he will suggest formulating a master plan to develop safe housing in the Lake Hiawatha and near the reservoir that is above the flood line and develop the nine acres also owned by the township and contiguous with the Knoll East GC into a driving range, baseball “bat-a-way” and miniature golf center. He said this development would add a much-needed addition to both Knoll golf courses, bring an attractive community gathering place for citizens of all ages and interests and put local undeveloped property to use for the benefit of the entire community. 

"This proposed facility must be run as a business, not a political toy, and it must be able to generate revenue all year around," he said, adding that the is researching whether Open Space Trust Fund dollars can be used to develop his concept.

But he is convinced that this his plan is a good one.

"Developing township property that is lying fallow could be very beneficial to not just golfers, but non-golfing citizens too," he said. "A development such as this could become a strong 'cash cow' to our community to offset the costs of our lovely recreation facility at the Knoll. 

"If I'm fortunate enough to get to the council, I will do the best I can to make this happen." 

Running on his own, he said he is prepared to work with the other winning candidate—two council seats are available—and will be happy to work with the next mayor, whether his name is Barberio, Carifi or Nelson.

"I will to the best of my ability serve the community, whichever the people so pick," he said.

Which makes Strumolo's Job One getting elected. 

The candidate said he is knocking doors with his son at his side and working to talk with as many voters as possible.

Asked why he is running for council and not mayor, he said that too much money is required to run a campaign for the top job.

"Over the years, I've raised money from the working people who give $5 here, $20 there, but who can afford that these days?" he said. "People are upside down in their houses, either having to walk away or who knows what? I decided to keep it simple, work for council and just stand for the people."

And he said he has already garnered some support.

"I'm pleased to announce that my longtime friend [state Sen.] Joe Pennacchio has given me his support," Strumolo stated. "Joe and I have parallel views on a lot of issues, so he was one of the first to endorse me." 

Patch reached out to the senator for comment, but has not yet received a response.

In the meantime, Strumolo said his plan is to talk to voters about what they want to see in Parsippany, one regular guy to another.

"This is something I want to do for the people," he said. "I'm one of them. And I believe it's important to make sure that government really is by the people, of the people and for the people. A much smarter man than me came up with that idea a long time ago, and I think it's a good one."