FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Upper Pottsgrove Township Files Legal Action Against Matthew E. Murray Over Right-to-Know Law Abuse
Pottstown, PA – Upper Pottsgrove Township has filed a civil complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, seeking legal remedies against Matthew E. Murray for the alleged abuse of the Right-to-Know Law (RTKL). The complaint outlines significant burdens imposed on township resources due to a high volume of public record requests submitted by Murray since 2022.
According to the complaint, Murray has filed approximately 100 RTKL requests, many of which are described as redundant or derivative. Despite multiple denials and failed appeals with the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records (OOR)—where the township prevailed in all but one case—Murray allegedly continues to submit new requests. The township asserts that these actions have diverted substantial staff time, legal resources, and external consultant services, leading to more than $55,000 in legal expenses over the past two years.
Key Points of the Complaint:
- Murray’s RTKL requests are described as excessive, with at least eight denials by the township upheld by the OOR.
- The complaint claims Murray’s use of RTKL requests has been a tactic to drain township resources in connection with ongoing litigation involving municipal building relocations.
- The township states that it has repeatedly processed Murray’s requests but alleges that Murray has failed to retrieve documents for which fees remain unpaid.
- Outstanding fees from multiple requests total $66.75.
Legal Claims and Requested Relief: The township’s complaint includes claims for abuse of process and wrongful use of civil proceedings. Upper Pottsgrove Township is seeking:
- A preliminary and permanent injunction to prevent further RTKL filings by Murray or those acting on his behalf.
- A court determination that Murray’s actions constitute an abuse of the RTKL process.
Township’s Statement: Eric C. Frey, the township’s solicitor, emphasized the need for responsible and fair use of public transparency laws. “The Right-to-Know Law is designed to promote government transparency, not to be weaponized in a manner that drains public resources and disrupts municipal operations,” Frey stated. “This legal action is necessary to safeguard the interests of Upper Pottsgrove Township and its taxpayers.”
All Upper Pottsgrove Commissioners supported this legal action.
Next Steps: Upper Pottsgrove Township will await further proceedings in the Court of Common Pleas. Officials are committed to fulfilling all legitimate transparency obligations while protecting taxpayer funds and municipal resources from misuse.
About Upper Pottsgrove Township: Upper Pottsgrove Township, located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, is dedicated to serving its residents through responsible governance, community services, and maintaining public trust.
For further information, please contact: Eric C. Frey, Solicitor
Dischell, Bartle & Dooley, P.C.
Phone: (610) 323-3306