Middletown Township Deputy Mayor Pamela Brightbill says she has heard the talk about how she will taking over for absent township Parks and Recreation Director Gregg Silva.

But there is no truth to reports and blogs saying that she has been tapped to succceed Silva, who is currently on an indefinite administrative leave, Brightbill said.

"I have heard those same rumors," Brightbill said in a telephone interview on Tuesday. "There is no truth to the rumors that I will take [Silva's] job."

Brightbill, who will leave office on Dec. 31, has said she wants to continue volunteering on one or more advisory boards. She is wrapping up six years of service as an elected official to the township committee,

However, replacing Silva, who was placed on paid leave by the township administration earlier this month, is not on Brightbill's radar.

The deputy mayor's extensive resume of community involvement includes times on the advisory board to the parks and recreation department and other volunteer activities relative to township government and the local school district.

Meanwhile, Middletown Parks and Recreation programs continue as planned even while a probe into personnel issues within the department goes on according to township administration.

Silva , the sole administrator overseeing 26 full-time employees and 16 seasonal workers, continues to be paid while absent from work. Staff supervisors are overseeing activities at individual recreation venues township administrators have said.

No date has been set for Silva to return to work pending the resolution of certain personnel issues according to Assistant Township Administrator James Vannest.

Brightbill, Mayor Tony Fiore, Township Administrator Anthony Mercantante and Vannest have all declined to discuss specific details regarding the investigation into Silva's office citing personnel matters.