Sussex, Vernon seeks investigation into solar-panel scandal

SUSSEX BOROUGH — An Andover Township committeeman encouraged the Sussex Borough Council on Tuesday to join the township in demanding the immediate resignation of Sussex County Administrator John Eskilson and County Attorney Dennis McDonnell, who were involved with the SunLight General solar poject.

The council voted to request an investigation regarding the solar project for Sussex, Morris, and Somerset counties by a law firm outside of the state. Sussex County is on the hook for $26 million.

The council did not approve a resolution calling for the resignations.

The Vernon Township Council passed a resolution on Monday, March 23, requesting a third-party investigation into the project.

“We received a request for a supportive resolution,” Council President Patrick Rizutto said. “Rather than working from someone else’s document, we are working with the attorney to write our own resolution. This provides us with an opportunity to have our voices heard.”

Andover Committeeman Jack Burke said calling for resignations is “about protecting our constituents, the taxpayers.”

Other communities are calling for resignations, and some, such as Fredon, are calling for an investigation. Burke also said that they “could not continue entrusting someone to make the next complex deal that no can explain on a napkin.”

Councilman Robert Holowach said that although Andover Township was requesting resignations of the administrator and attorney, he thought that first there needed to be more of an investigation.

“I think its five people (the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders) that get held accountable," he said.

Sussex Borough Council members agreed an investigation needs to be completed before resignations are demanded.

Council President Linda Masson said some politicians might need to resign. She wants an investigation from outside New Jersey, because “the incestuous relationships are killing this state.”

Holowach read some freeholder minutes from October 26, 2011, where it was brought up to the freeholders that they were securing financing with a company that had been in business for two years.

"Did they vet (the company)?" he asked.

The county issued $27.7 million in bonds to complete solar panels at county, municipal and school buildings. Half of the projects were completed. The country now faces an estimated $26 million in debt on the project and bonded an additional $6.5 million to pay out a recent settlement.

In a statement issued after Andover committeemen started pushing for his ouster, Eskilson said the freeholders have “demonstrated unwavering leadership in taking on this very complex issue and finding a solution that is in the best interests of the residents of the County. Unfortunately the Andover Township Committee, unlike several other municipal officials around the County, has not, to my knowledge, taken the time to review the complicated issues surrounding both the original solar agreement and the subsequent settlement of all litigation associated with the project before taking a position.”

Eskilson said he welcomedthe opportunity to discuss the matter further with officials to better inform them.

“This is very troublesome for Sussex County right now,” Councilman Brian Lynch said. “There needs to be a third-party investigation.”

“Until the investigation is done, I want these people to stay around.” Lynch said.