Town Attorney Clarifies Council Election Process

Following the and the Wednesday announcement of , some citizens had questions regarding the regulations governing the upcoming special council election.

Town Attorney John Inglesino provided answers late Friday.

Because Vigilante's appointment took place before Sept. 1, the new councilman's term lasts only until Nov. 6, according to Inglesino.

"While the Town Council can and did fill the vacancy temporarily by appointment, the vacancy must be filled for Councilman Cesaro’s unexpired term at the next general election," he said to clarify the statutory requirement. 

Per the law, the attorney explained, "Each political party may select a candidate for the office by those members of that party’s town committee."

For the Democrats, that candidate is Nelson, according to Parsippany Democratic Party Chairperson Michael Soriano.

While Vigilante would appear to be the likely GOP candidate, no official announcement has been made as to whom the party will have serve as the candidate in the November election—and by law it is the Parsippany GOP committee that must make the choice, not the council.

It is possible that the party could opt to stick with Vigilante, however, it could choose another candidate. Retiring police officer Louis Valori,  that went to Air Force reservist Vigilante.

The local Republican party has a little time before it has to make a final decision as to which candidate will run in November, according to Inglesino.

"A statement of such selection must be filed with the Morris County Clerk not later than the close of business of the 55th day preceding the date of the general election," he said.

That makes Sept. 12 the official last day to file as a candidate for the Nov. 6 special election.