Boro investigating claim of sexual harassment
Pringle: Parking director named in allegation by boro employee
BY LAYLI WHYTE
Staff Writer

Red Bank Parking Director Neil Burnip is on leave while the borough investigates a sexual harassment complaint against him.

Borough Attorney Kenneth Pringle confirmed Monday that the victim of the alleged sexual harassment is a borough employee who works at Borough Hall.

A call to Burnip's office Monday was referred to acting Public Works Director Gary Watson, who said that Burnip was on leave.

Neither Burnip, nor his attorney, Todd Wallman, of the law firm of Lucas and McGoughran, Ocean Township, could be reached for comment.

Pringle said that the investigation is being conducted by Borough Labor Attorney Jamie Plosia.

Plosia declined to comment on the complaint.

Mayor Edward J. McKenna Jr. also declined to comment, saying it would be "totally inappropriate to discuss any personnel matters."

Red Bank police spokesman Lt. Steve McCarthy said Monday that the police were not involved in the investigation.

The investigation comes just months after the conclusion of an investigation into discrimination charges filed by Burnip against Councilman John P. Curley and former councilwoman Jennifer Beck, currently an assemblywoman.

The allegations of a hostile work environment, including discrimination based on nationality, were filed against the borough last October by Burnip's attorney Todd Wallman.

Burnip is a native of England and moved to New Jersey from Scotland in 2002 to take the position of parking manager with the borough.

The tort, which is often a precursor to a civil law-suit, filed on behalf of Burnip stated that beginning approximately in January 2004, Burnip was the victim of a hostile work environment and his rights were violated in contravention of New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination "by the borough, and its agents, servants, and/or employees."

Both Curley and Beck were vocal in their opinions that Burnip's position at the borough was unnecessary, and that the parking utility should be under the purview of the Red Bank Police Department.

After months of investigation by Plosia, Curley and Beck were found to not have violated Burnip's rights in any way, although Curley was required to attend sensitivity training.

At the time, Burnip left open the possibility of a civil suit against the borough for $1 million in damages.