A slew of administrative resignations in Allegheny Township apparently has resulted from unrest among its three supervisors.

Three township administrative employees — administrative assistant Denise Johnston, Director of Public Safety Lee Schumaker and Township Manager Greg Primm — submitted letters of resignation to supervisors. Johnston intends to resign effective Aug. 25, and Schumaker and Primm, Aug. 31.

Additionally, administrative assistant Susan Teagarden retired June 30.

On Thursday, Supervisor Michael Korns said residents should be “very concerned” about what is “going on” within the township.

“Allegheny Township has had four out of seven administrative employees leave since the end of June, and there could be more,” Korns said. “These are employees making good money with good benefits who enjoyed their jobs.

“I believe they left because of the environment created by one of the supervisors on the board. That, along with the uncertainty of a new board next year, is why they left. I hope the current environment doesn’t make it difficult for us to hire employees to replace them, most notably a new manager.”

Supervisors hired interim Township Manager Jason Dailey, of Dailey Operation Consulting, during their meeting Monday.

Dailey currently serves as interim manager in Lower Burrell. He will split his time between both municipalities.

“My primary responsibilities will be to keep the township’s regulatory requirements updated, bills and receipts current and, ultimately, to recruit for the replacement of the manager and other key staff positions,” Dailey said.

Dailey brushed off concerns when asked Thursday about the work environment, adding he is familiar with working under adverse conditions.

“I’ll work with everyone and try to find common ground,” he said.

Dailey’s interim position is expected to last six to nine months.

“It may be shorter if the right candidate can be found,” he said.

On Thursday, Supervisor Rennick Steele accused James Morabito of creating a hostile work environment in the township.

“Mr. Morabito is harassing employees by shouting at them and belittling them — for example, Denise Johnston and Lee Schumaker. Thus, he is creating a very hostile work environment,” Steele said. “Obviously, Mr. Morabito wants to replace everyone with his own hires. It’s unfortunate that Mr. Morabito is using these harsh tactics to get his way.”

Morabito responded to Steele’s accusations by pointing out Steele’s recent primary election loss.

“Mr. Steele is obviously upset that the voters of Allegheny Township have voiced their opinion against the current leadership in Allegheny Township and have chosen to elect new leaders in each of the last two elections,” Morabito said.

Allegheny Township businessman Jeff Pollick defeated longtime incumbent Steele in the May primary.

“Mr. Steele is on his way out the door, and his editorial reeks of sour grapes and is completely untruthful and defaming,” Morabito said. “It’s truly a shame what political level people stoop to. I’ve always treated everyone with the utmost dignity and respect.

“Great things are on the horizon in Allegheny Township, which will be led for the first time in 50 years by a majority who practices transparency in government. I wish Mr. Steele the best in his future endeavors.”

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review Allegheny Township supervisors (from left): Vice Chair Ren Steele, Chair Mike Korns and James Morabito.  

Schumaker, absent from monthly supervisors meetings for at least a year, declined to comment on his reason for leaving Wednesday while at the township municipal building.

The office was closed until 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Korns said the decrease in employees will not affect operations at the township building, and an employee will be onsite beginning at 6 a.m. to answer phone calls.

“I expect the office will be open, with the lights on, beginning Friday and then the next week,” Korns said.

Primm and Johnston did not reply to requests for comment on this report.

Lower Burrell Council hired Primm as manager July 10, and Primm will begin his duties in Lower Burrell on Sept. 1.

Schumaker was hired May 16 a part-time police officer with the Leechburg Police Department.

Primm submitted his letter of resignation to township supervisors June 30.

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