Lawsuits Against Township Supervisor Dismissed

Obtained dismissal of two lawsuits involving claims of defamation, breach of contract and interference with contractual relations on behalf of a township supervisor in a Pennsylvania county.  The plaintiffs, former employees of the township, were both separated pursuant to General Releases and Separation Agreements, which contained a confidentiality clause and a non-disparagement clause. Also, both plaintiffs received a severance package.  The supervisor spoke to a local newspaper reporter to explain why he opposed paying a severance to the two employees and to express his concern that the employees were fired for cause.  The defense argued that a township supervisor is immune from liability under the doctrine of high government official immunity.  The court agreed, holding that, even if the statements were defamatory, speaking to the media to comment on township business is within the scope of a township supervisor's duties and, therefore, such statements are protected by absolute immunity.