State denies ex-North Huntingdon assistant manager's appeal regarding records

The state has denied an appeal from North Huntingdon’s former assistant manager who sought to obtain any communications between the township’s manager and accountant regarding his retirement benefits and conduct.

The Pa. Office of Open Records stated in its four-page determination last week that North Huntingdon met its burden of proof that it does not possess any correspondence on the matter between Harry Faulk, township manager, and Jaclyn Robinson, township accountant, from April 14 to 26.

Turley had submitted a right to know request with the township before he left his position on April 28. He could not be reached for comment.

Faulk declined to comment on Turley’s request for documents. The commissioners have yet to decide on filling the position.

The township denied Turley’s request. He appealed to the state, saying that North Huntingdon did not conduct a “good faith search” for the records, nor did it indicate whether the search included correspondence on all days he requested.

Jonathan Beskid, township communications and technology coordinator, informed the agency that he did not find any email communication, text messages or other correspondence about Turley’s conduct and benefits between Faulk and Robinson on the dates listed in the Right to Know request.

Turley was the township’s assistant manager for at least 15 years. He also served as the municipality’s interim manager from November 2021, when former manager Jeff Silka left to take a similar position in Cumberland, Md., until Faulk was hired in April 2022.

Turley has the right to appeal the finding in court.