Parsippany Man to Run for County Clerk

U.S. Air Force Reserves Master Sgt. and former Parsnippany Township Council member James Vigilante Monday announced today that he will seek the seat being vacated by Joan Bramhall in the June 4 Republican primary election.

Among the challengers he will face is fellow Par-Troy resident and Freeholder Ann Grossi.

“I would consider it a privilege and honor to serve my fellow county residents as their county clerk," said Vigilante. "My military leadership and organizational skills combined with my governing and small business ownership experience is the perfect combination the next clerk needs to possess to pick up where Clerk Bramhall left off.”

Vigilante is a longtime local contractor. He is a nine-time decorated U.S. Air Force Reserves veteran and recently completed a . During his time in Afghanistan, he was responsible for leading a large squadron of airmen in the day to day operations at the Kandahar Airport and ensuring that soldiers and civilian contractors traveled safely in and out of the country.

He paid tribute to the efficiency of Bramhall's office and said his skills make him uniquely qualified to ensure an office that continues to be well-run.

"The reins need to be handed to a person who has led and motivated a team of people in an operational system—and I have," he said, alluding to his experience as a procurer during his time in Afghanistan. "I will improve upon the efficiencies of the clerk's office and I will insure that the honorable workers in that office continue to have the tools and resources they need to deliver the services to the people of Morris County.

"These improvements will contribute to the goal of the county freeholders in delivering a reduced tax budget," Vigilante promised. "I will get the job done for less.”

Vigilante said he will hold an official campaign kick-off event and release his political platform sometime in March.