Amid State Investigation, County Executive Calls for Leave for Park Commission Executive Director

Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes has called for a temporary leave of absence for Kevin Bannon, the Executive Director of the Mercer County Park Commission, as an inquiry by the Office of the State Attorney General regarding the Mercer County Park Commission and the non-profit Friends of Mercer County Parks develops.

However, the position of executive director for the Park Commission doesn’t fall under the jurisdiction of the county executive. Rather, that position falls under the purview of the Park Commission board. Appointments are made through the board approval via resolution.

Hughes has called on Park Commission President Drew Worek to begin the process to put Bannon on leave pending further information.

“Given the public allegations regarding leadership at the park commission, I think it is best that Mr. Bannon be put on a temporary 30-day leave with pay and Mr. Bannon has volunteered to do so,” Hughes said in a statement released Friday evening. “I believe the attention surrounding the Attorney General’s inquiry is a distraction to the fine work that goes into our award winning parks, and Kevin Bannon shares my sentiment.”

Bannon has been with the Parks Commission since 2004.

The investigation targeted the Hunt House in Hopewell, and the Tennis Center in West Windsor, according to the Princeton Packet.

The Attorney General’s Office has not publicly acknowledged the investigation, and Hughes hasn’t provided specifics as to what is being investigated.

“I reiterate my pride in the Mercer County park system and I have full faith that the organizations will fully cooperate in this investigation,” Hughes said. “We will reevaluate this decision in 30 days and move forward from there.”