Solicitor: NB conflicts not an issue

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

NEW BETHLEHEM - New Bethlehem Borough's solicitor weighed in on two possible conflicts of interest involving council members at the town governing panel's meeting on Jan. 17.
Attorney Sara Seidle had been asked by the council to review the recent election of borough employee Richard Shilling to the seven-member council, as well as any possible conflicts in having newly elected councilman Terry Mateer also serve as a borough representative to the Redbank Valley Municipal Authority.
Seidle said that her research found that neither issue is a cause for legal concern. She said that Shilling, who was a write-in winner in November's election, can hold both the elected position and retain his employment as borough maintenance supervisor as long as he abstains from any votes that would benefit him personally.

For the complete story, see the Jan. 25 issue of The Leader-Vindicator.