COAL TOWNSHIP - Someone challenged the candidacy of Charles Shuey for Shamokin Area School Board, saying his service on the board would violate the federal Hatch Act because of his employment as recycling coordinator for Coal Township.
The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), however, determined Shuey is not subject to the restrictions of the act because the center operates with only state and local funds, not federal funds.
The Hatch Act restricts the political activity of individuals involved in state, county or municipal agencies in connection with programs financed in whole or part by loans or grants made by the United States or a federal agency.
OSC acknowledged it received a complaint about Shuey, and notified him of its ruling in a letter dated April 5.
"Because the recycling center is entirely funded by state and local funding, you do not have job duties in connection with federally funded activities," wrote Corinne R. Seibert, attorney with OSC's Hatch Act Unit. "Therefore, you are not subject to the restrictions of the Hatch Act."
Shuey said OSC policy is not to reveal the source of the complaint, and he doesn't know who filed it.
"I believe that the motivation behind this challenge was a desperate act designed to keep me off the ballot, and had little to do with any concern for compliance with the terms of the Hatch Act," Shuey said. "Had they done their research, as I did, they would have found that I do not deal with any federal funds."
Thirteen people are running for school board, including five current members.