Vandergrift councilwoman suing borough officials resigns her seat
Vandergrift councilwoman Karen McClarnon has resigned her position.
McClarnon submitted a letter of resignation, effective immediately, to council President Kathy Chvala and borough secretary Steve Delledonne.
Council approved McClarnon’s resignation during a special meeting Wednesday afternoon.
Borough solicitor Larry Loperfito was absent.
McClarnon did not attend the meeting and declined to comment.
McClarnon’s resignation letter in its entirety reads:
“This correspondence is to inform you of my immediate resignation from Vandergrift Council. I am resigning because, as detailed in my federal lawsuit, I have been prevented from performing the duties of my elected office, from representing the interests of the people who elected me to council and my family/or I have been subjected to physical threats and brutal beatings. Unfortunately, the horror of the assault to which I was subjected did not shock those who have prevented me from performing my elected duties into ceasing their unconstitutional conduct.
“I ran for Vandergrift Council to make a change and represent my constituents who voted me into this position. The good people of Vandergrift Borough deserve better from their government.
“I will continue to pursue my federal lawsuit.
“I hope for better days for this community.”
McClarnon filed a federal lawsuit last year against the borough and five colleagues.
The suit contains accusations of defamation, violation of free speech and violation of due process. McClarnon alleges actions of other council members and borough employees have violated her constitutional rights and hampered her ability to function as an elected official.
In addition to the borough, defendants listed in the suit include Chvala; council members Christine Wilson, John Uskuraitis, Tom Holmes and Lenny Collini; police Chief Joseph Caporali; and Patrolman Nathan Rigatti. Mayor Barbara Turiak, originally a defendant, was removed from the suit.
No borough officials would comment Wednesday on the lawsuit or McClarnon’s resignation.
After voting to accept the resignation, Chvala said council has 30 days to appoint a replacement.
McClarnon, a former school administrator, was elected to council in 2019.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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