FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – On June 2, 2025, the Montgomery County Court ruled against Upper Pottsgrove Township’s petition to limit the volume of Right-to-Know (RTK) requests filed by a single individual. While we respect the court’s decision, the Township remains concerned about the growing financial burden placed on taxpayers due to repeated, extensive requests requiring legal review and significant staff work.
The Pennsylvania General Assembly continues to move ahead with its effort to prevent individuals from abusing the current RTK law. Not only has the weaponization of the RTK law been an issue in Upper Pottsgrove Township but across the state as well. Senate Bill 790 which provides these fixes cleared the Senate State Government Committee on June 3, 2025, and will now go to the full body.
As for the Township’s part in defending against these malicious requests, the Board of Commissioners agreed unanimously to pursue legal action earlier this year, not to limit transparency, but to defend the public interest from what we believe to be an abusive use of the RTK process. To date, responding to these requests has cost the Township tens of thousands of dollars in legal and administrative expenses—with more expected.
As stated in correspondence with the press shortly after the ruling, Township Commissioner Don Read explained:
“All Commissioners unanimously agreed to proceed with filing for the injunction to protect taxpayers from the escalating costs associated with repeated and unnecessary inquiries. These requests have required extensive staff time and legal review, resulting in significant public expense.”
Additionally, the Township observed social media commentary from another critic of the township in July 2024 that referenced the ongoing RTK filings in a way that suggested an intentional plan to disrupt government operations. As Commissioner Read stated:
“The flood of RTK requests is a clear signal that the process is being used not for transparency, but as a political tool. The burden this creates falls not on elected officials, but on the taxpayers who must foot the bill.”
The Township encourages all residents to stay engaged and informed. Transparency is a core value, but when it is used excessively to strain public systems, it becomes a threat to efficient, responsive government.
While The Mercury reported on the court’s ruling in a June 14 story, it regrettably failed to include the Township’s submitted response—offering only one side of the issue. In the interest of full transparency and balanced reporting, we believe it is essential the public hears both perspectives and understands the broader consequences.
Two other commissioners commented on the RTK process. Commissioner Trace Slinkerd stated, “We look forward to the PA General Assembly’s quick action to remedy this situation not only for Upper Pottsgrove Township but for all municipal governments.” Commissioner Hank Llewellyn added “Saddling the Township with over a hundred requests is more than wanting information but an attempt to influence policy by mischievous means.”