Elwood Taylor, Al Leach, and Tyron Robinson—the three Democratic candidates (two of the three, Taylor and Leach, have flipped parties at least once, so who knows; they are using the Democratic side this time) running for commissioner in Upper Pottsgrove—are dragging taxpayers into a reckless lawsuit that could blow a hole in the Township’s budget equivalent to the size of a 100% property tax increase for the next five years. That’s not political spin. That’s the reality discussed at the September 15th Board of Commissioners meeting: if they win, the taxpayers lose—big. (See Political Stunt Costs Township Article, July 23, 2025 https://upperpottsgrovejournal.com/political-stunt-costs-township/)
“I was stunned that once these candidates understood the devastating cost their lawsuit could dump on residents, they still chose to plow ahead,” said Commissioner Don Read, who led the Township’s defense in the preliminary hearing. “After failing to secure an injunction in August, you’d think they would recognize the damage they are doing to the very people whose votes they’re asking for in November. Instead, they are doubling down.”
Their entire case rests on an accounting entry made last November—a bookkeeping line approved by the Township solicitor, outside legal counsel, and the auditors. That’s it. They are asking a judge to punish the Township, and its taxpayers, over paperwork that was handled properly from day one.
Here are the facts: In April 2024, the Township purchased the property at 2290 Gilbertsville Road after a developer walked away from plans to put in a housing project. The Township acted quickly—and wisely—for two reasons: (1) to block dense development that would have burdened local infrastructure and schools, and (2) to secure an alternate site for the long-overdue municipal facilities, given that the first site chosen is in appellant court. In November, the Township officially designated Gilbertsville as the primary site for the municipal project in an open, public vote.
Yet these Democratic candidates (again, two of the three have flipped parties at least once) are now suing their own community sixteen months after the Township purchased the Gilbertsville property as an alternate site option and eight months after the Township authorized it for bids. The Township signed the contracts in June of this year and these three sued in July. At the September meeting, Commissioners Read, Llewellyn, and Slinkerd warned residents that a success for Taylor, Leach, and Robinson would mean at least a $5,000,000 loss and a crushing tax burden for the Township. This loss would be the result of a breach of contract with the builders. Taylor, Leach, and Robinson intentionally waited till after the Township signed the contracts to file their suit. “This isn’t Monopoly money,” Commissioner Read said. “This is real taxpayer dollars. The money would just be gone with no benefit to the Township whatsoever.”
And how did Mr. Leach respond to Commissioner Read’s call for any of the three plaintiff candidates to explain how their suit benefits the residents? He stood up at the September meeting and insisted this lawsuit “has nothing to do with politics.” Then, with a straight face, he claimed he even voted for two Republicans (pointing to Commissioners Paretti and Waldt) in the past as if that proves that their suit “has nothing to do with politics.” Worse, he twisted and fabricated remarks from the Township solicitor and board president that are clearly contradicted by the official court record and minutes. Either Mr. Leach isn’t familiar with the truth, or he’s counting on voters not to be. In his reply, Leach never explained how their suit would benefit the residents.
Meanwhile, this circus is already costing taxpayers real money. The Township has been forced to hire special counsel on top of the solicitor to again defend itself. Legal bills have already hit $21,000 for this case, and that number is expected to at least double by the end of the trial. All because three candidates decided their campaign strategy should include suing the very residents they want to represent.
Make no mistake: the real “October surprise” isn’t politics as usual—it’s the equivalent bill taxpayers will be left holding if these candidates succeed in court. The trial is set for October 17th before Judge Saltz in Montgomery County Court.
The Upper Pottsgrove Journal calls on Taylor, Leach, and Robinson to explain to voters how bankrupting the Township is a “win” for residents. Until then, taxpayers should see this lawsuit for what it really is: a political dumpster fire, lit and fueled by the very people now asking for your vote.