Musella: Parsippany mayor's no-show at drone briefing shows lack of leadership
Mayor James Barberio opted to attend a holiday party instead of attending an intelligence briefing.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Mayor James R. Barberio took a page out of Governor Murphy’s book by avoiding a critical state briefing this week from state and federal officials on the alarming drone sightings that have left township residents confused and frightened. While mayors from across New Jersey gathered in Ewing Township to address the escalating situation, Barberio opted to attend a holiday party instead.
Councilman and Republican Mayoral candidate Justin Musella says Parsippany residents deserve much better than Barberio’s unprofessional behavior.
“Leadership is about showing up when it matters most,” said Musella.
“It’s an egregious betrayal of public trust when this Mayor fails to show up at a pivotal briefing about drone activity over Parsippany….instead of indulging in holiday hors d’oeuvres, social events, and photo ops, this full-time employed mayor should have prioritized this serious matter of public safety,” said the Councilman.
”A competent leader would have sent a representative to the party and ensured our township’s concerns were heard at today’s meeting, which was attended by other Mayors throughout Morris County and the state,” Musella added.
Barberio’s truancy has left Parsippany residents confused as to why their Mayor would neglect to attend an intelligence briefing. One resident slammed Barberio, saying that his dereliction of duty shows a lack of leadership that is sorely needed during a frightening time.
“[Barberio’s] failure to attend sent a clear message to his constituents that he doesn’t care about their legitimate concerns,” says Dennis Letts, a Parsippany resident who spent twenty-four years in the United States Secret Service.
”During my almost fifty-year career in law enforcement, I have seen countless examples of exceptional leadership and failed leadership,” recalls Letts.
”I had the privilege of protecting seven US presidents, including the greatest of them all, Ronald Reagan. Great leadership requires genuine empathy, intellectual ability and hard work. Jamie Barberio possesses none of these qualities,” said Letts.
Despite assurances that the drones pose no immediate danger, the lack of answers has left many questioning the government’s ability—or willingness—to aggressively investigate. The situation has become a flashpoint for public unease, with many demanding accountability and answers from local and federal leaders.
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The drone stuff is all fake.