Chairman William Page resigns from board of supervisors

Public addresses Granville Township official’s alleged behavior

LEWISTOWN -- Following a contentious meeting on Monday in which supervisor William Page was publicly called out for alleged behavior, he announced his resignation.

Page's resignation from the board of Granville Township Supervisors was submitted Thursday, Sept. 17 around 4 p.m. An announcement was also made on the Township's Facebook page.

At the Granville Township meeting held Monday residents expressed concerns about the intentions of Page.

Township resident Corri Hockenberry presented information alleging Page was talking with residents about things discussed during executive session at a prior meeting. Hockenberry stated it was a message complaining about how much they have to pay solicitor Fred Lighty.

Hockenberry also voiced concerns about photo images of Page disposing of his personal garbage in the township's dumpster.

"If that was one of us, we would be fined!" someone at the meeting yelled.

Page admitted during the meeting that he does sometimes clean out his car into the dumpster.

Hockenberry said they have applied to the state ethics committee regarding these concerns to have Page removed from his seat on the board.

Hockenberry also alleged Page "bullied" a fellow supervisor.

Page responded with "if that's how you see it, that's how you see it."

"Sir, you’re the chairman of the board of supervisors," Hockenberry said. "We hold you to a higher level. Why are you treating your community like this? Why are you taking advantage and getting benefits from your position?"

Another resident, Nathan Fisher, expressed concerns that officials are wearing too many hats within the county.

"Township Manager Mary Herto is currently also holding a seat of chairwoman for the Board of Mifflin County Municipal Authority," Fisher said.

Fisher asked Herto if she submits paid time off when attending the monthly meetings at the municipal meetings because she is receiving pay from both. Herto explained she is salary exempt, meaning regardless of how many hours she works, she gets paid a set amount. Although there is time she is out of the office, she explained she makes up her hours when coming in on weekends and attending other after-hour meetings, including fire company meetings. Herto assured the community she works the expected hours for her position and is willing to supply proof.

Fisher continued, stating he thinks the manager should be in the office at all times to answer questions for the community and that these other positions should be given to someone else. He said it is a conflict of interest as well as that not having her here at all times is neglecting the community’s needs.

Supervisor Terry Stewart agreed someone should be managing the township building at all times and is concerned with Herto being paid by both entities.

During regular business, Page accepted Vice Chairman Joseph Fiore Jr.’s resignation. Stewart opposed the move.

Fisher stated the vacancy causes turmoil for the community because with only two chairman, they won’t be able to make a decision. Herto said they will, but they have to agree.

A letter from Granville Township stated that Page's resignation leaves the board without a quorum.

Granville Township petitioned the Mifflin County Court of Common Pleas to appoint replacements to the Board of Supervisors.

The recent departures of Joseph Fiore Jr. and William W. Page have left the Board with fewer than the legally required number of supervisors needed to hold meetings, vote on ordinances, or conduct official municipal business.

The letter state, under state law, when a township board loses its quorum and cannot vote to fill its own vacancies, the responsibility automatically shifts to the local court to appoint qualified residents to the open seats.

Mary Herto, township manager, stated that "Our immediate priority is to restore governance so we can continue serving the residents of Granville Township.

By asking the court to step in, we are taking the quickest legal path available to break the gridlock, resume public meetings, and ensure vital township services continue without interruption.

The court-appointed supervisors will serve on an interim basis until the next municipal election cycle, at which point voters will elect permanent successors to complete the remaining terms. The next municipal election will be held in 2027.

During this interim period, essential administrative services--including emergency services, road maintenance, and utility operations--will continue to function normally under the direction of township staff. However, legislative actions, land development approvals, budget, etc. will be paused until the court seats the new board members.

Regarding the proposed data center, Solicitor Fred Lighty stated that a hearing with Judge Aaron Gingrich will be held at the Mifflin County Courthouse Oct. 9 at 10 a.m. where developers will fight the denial.