A December 2004 lawsuit filed on behalf of an elected Township commissioner alleges that her colleagues retaliated against her after she publicly disclosed a budget deficit and criticized them for not addressing it. After her disclosure, the other commissioners improperly excluded her from important discussions regarding Township business and erected barriers to her getting information about Township activities. Court-ordered mediation having failed, a three-day trial took place in mid May. On May 16, the Court issued a preliminary injunction, holding that defendants illegally retaliated against our client, thereby violating her First Amendment rights. Briefing for a final injunction is due in mid June.

Attorney(s)

Strassburger (Strassburger, McKenna, Gutnick & Potter); Vic Walczak (ACLU-PA)

Date filed

December 1, 2004

Court

Western District - Pennsylvania

Status

Closed