Allegheny Township Officials Cleared of Charges Over Toy Drive Funds

In a surprising turn of events, charges against an Allegheny Township supervisor, a former supervisor, and the former township manager have been dropped. The charges, which stemmed from a $10,000 check they signed for a Christmas toy drive, have been withdrawn at the request of the township solicitor. This decision has raised questions and sparked discussions about the handling of public funds and the importance of transparency in local government.

Uncovering the Truth: A Closer Look at the Allegheny Township Toy Drive Controversy

Charges Dropped, Reputations Restored

The charges, which were filed in August, accused Supervisor Michael Korns, former Supervisor John Rennick Steele, and former Township Manager Gregory Primm of violating the state's second-class township code. However, on September 26th, these charges were dropped at the request of Township Solicitor Craig Alexander. This decision has brought relief to the individuals involved, who have maintained their innocence throughout the ordeal.Korns, who described the charges as "bizarre and illegal," is now considering taking legal action of his own. Primm and Steele, on the other hand, have expressed their desire to have their legal costs covered. The men were initially set to appear in court on Wednesday, but the charges were withdrawn before the scheduled hearing.

Allegations of Impropriety and the Pursuit of Transparency

The charges stemmed from a $10,000 check that Korns, Steele, and Primm had signed in August 2023 and given to the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company. The issue was that the township supervisors had never voted to approve the transfer of these funds.Supervisor Jamie Morabito and Supervisor Jeff Pollick had voted in June to investigate the $10,000 donation to the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company, with Korns being the sole dissenting vote. Morabito remains convinced that the check constituted a violation of the second-class township code and is determined to get to the bottom of the matter.Pollick, on the other hand, believes it's time to move forward, but he is still troubled by how Korns, Steele, and Primm handled the money. Primm has maintained that the funds were never township money, but rather donations collected for the toy drive, which were held in the township's escrow account.

Allegations of Misconduct and the Importance of Accountability

In addition to the charges related to the toy drive funds, Korns was also cited for borrowing a stack of hearing transcripts and removing a TribLive article from a bulletin board in the township's administrative building. Korns admitted to both acts but insisted they were not illegal.These allegations have raised concerns about the transparency and accountability within the Allegheny Township government. The fact that a contracted code enforcement and zoning officer, Brenda Troup, issued the citations is also a point of contention, as this task is typically reserved for law enforcement.The withdrawal of the charges has not entirely resolved the underlying issues. Morabito remains convinced that the $10,000 check was a violation of the law, and he is determined to uncover the truth. Pollick, while ready to move forward, still has lingering questions about the handling of the funds.

The Aftermath: Lessons Learned and the Path Forward

The Allegheny Township toy drive controversy has highlighted the importance of clear communication, proper procedures, and the need for strong governance within local government. The withdrawal of the charges may have brought relief to the individuals involved, but it has also raised questions about the overall management of public funds and the need for greater transparency.As the township moves forward, it will be crucial for the supervisors and officials to work together to address the concerns raised and to implement policies and procedures that ensure the responsible and ethical use of public resources. This case serves as a reminder that local government must be held to the highest standards of accountability, and that the public's trust must be earned through open and transparent decision-making.The Allegheny Township toy drive controversy may have been resolved, but the lessons learned from this experience will undoubtedly shape the future of the township and serve as a cautionary tale for other local governments facing similar challenges. By embracing transparency, fostering open communication, and upholding the principles of good governance, Allegheny Township can emerge from this episode stronger and more resilient, ready to serve the best interests of its community.