After the February Township Board meeting, Commissioner Don Read sent an open letter to all commissioners. This letter addresses concerns about misinformation and a vote on a resolution to support the Upper Pottsgrove Police Department. The vote on the resolution was 3 to 2 and the support resolution passed.
Commissioners,
I want to address and correct misinformation presented during Tuesday night’s meeting. Commissioner Paretti, reading from her prepared remarks, inaccurately stated that during a meeting in the judge’s chambers, an offer was made to the Plaintiffs in the Evans Tract case. Specifically, she claimed we proposed dropping the defamation lawsuit against them in exchange for a concession to build on the Smola Farm. She cited this alleged offer as grounds to question the sincerity of the defamation case against Mr. Murray and Ms. Harper.
While Commissioner Paretti is entitled to her opinion, she is not entitled to her own facts. The Plaintiffs were not present in the judge’s chambers, nor did we have any direct communication with them that day. At no point—inside or outside that meeting—was such an offer made to the Plaintiffs, either directly or indirectly.
As commissioners, we have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the taxpayers. In that context, it was noted to the judge that, when appropriate, we must consider global settlements to minimize financial burdens on the township. The judge subsequently relayed this general concept to the Plaintiffs, who rejected it without any discussion of specific terms.
Commissioner Paretti’s criticism is, in effect, a condemnation of our responsibility to represent the interests of all taxpayers—not just a select few or, in this case, a single individual. It is also worth noting that Ms. Harper is not a resident of this township, yet Commissioner Paretti has repeatedly advocated on her behalf—a fact that has not gone unnoticed.
Additionally, at our February 18 meeting, we had the opportunity to pass a straightforward resolution in support of our Police Department. The resolution contained three key points:
- Condemnation of the false claims made in the [Harper] letter.
- Reaffirmation of our commitment to protecting free speech and public discourse.
- Expression of full confidence in the professionalism of the Upper Pottsgrove Police Chief and Department.
There was no dispute over these facts. Even the defendants who authored the [Harper] letter have relied on an immunity defense—essentially conceding they cannot be held accountable for false claims.
Yet, the vote to approve this resolution was split 3-2. Commissioners Paretti and Waldt voted against it without offering any explanation. That decision speaks for itself. Perhaps they will take the opportunity to provide a well-reasoned written response.
Don Read
Upper Pottsgrove Township