Kevin Bannon had been on a two-month paid leave before Wednesday's vote
WEST WINDSOR -- The executive director of the Mercer County Park Commission was fired Wednesday, two months after the attorney general's office launched an investigation into the nonprofit he helped found.
Kevin Bannon had been on a two-month paid leave before commissioners voted 7-1 to terminate him. Commissioner Carmen Corcoran cast the sole dissenting vote and Commissioner Phil Voorhees abstained.
"I want to acknowledge all the good things Kevin did for the commission especially in terms of facility improvements, but given the circumstances, my vote is yes," Commissioner Thomas Mladenetz said. "I think it's time to move on."
Bannon, who made $135,275 a year, held the post since March 2004.
The park commission, the nonprofit Friends of Mercer County Parks and Bannon came under scrutiny in late April after investigators raided the county's Hunt House and tennis center over allegations of official misconduct, corruption of public resources and theft by extortion.
Bannon's decision to voluntarily take a month-long leave came days later after County Executive Brian Hughes met with the commission's board president and one of the nonprofit's trustees.
Hughes said at the time that he had become concerned with the distraction caused by the ongoing investigation.
On May 31, Bannon was then granted a 30-day extension that went into effect June 5.
Bannon's attorney, Jack Furlong, said he was not given a reason for Wednesday's firing.
"Kevin has been the victim of a significant whisper campaign that is not uncommon for any aggressive manager that is involved in a government agency," he said after the meeting. "I don't know why he was fired.
"In order to minimize their exposure to litigation, I think, they are taking a tack of at-will employment, meaning not only do they not need to give me a reason, their lawyers are telling them, 'Don't give him a reason,'" Furlong continued. "The minute you give a reason, you give me the opportunity to contest the validity of the reason."
He said Bannon serves at the pleasure of the commission, a semi-autonomous agency whose nine members are appointed by the county executive.
Hughes, in a statement Wednesday, said the commission's action is a decision he supports and signals a "change in direction."
"Our park system is one of the finest in the country and we will continue to provide the quality programming and amenities that the people of Mercer County deserve and expect," he said.
Furlong said that under Bannon's leadership, five parks were unified to create Mercer Meadows, tennis operations were consolidated and an indoor facility added, golf operations were rejuvenated and now turn a profit and a new wildlife center, Howell Living History Farm's visitors' center and a performing arts stage and festival grounds opened.
"We surely have our county employees to thank for the reputation our facilities enjoy, but we should not overlook the captain of this particular ship for his time, his tirelessness and his spirit," Furlong said.
County deputy administrator Aaron Watson, who has been serving as the interim director, will remain in the role until the commissioners name a permanent replacement.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.