Pa. Township Employee Alleges Firing for Political Reasons

Ex-public works foreman claims retaliation by supervisors over election campaign comments

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:51am

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A former Muncy Creek Township public works foreman has filed a lawsuit alleging he was fired in retaliation for running against a successful supervisor candidate and making critical comments about the township during the election campaign. Seth Green claims supervisors Eric Newcomer and Harley Fry II violated his free speech rights by terminating him for his political activities and statements as a private citizen.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between public employees' rights to political participation and free speech, and the ability of elected officials to manage their staff. It raises questions about the boundaries of acceptable political activity for municipal workers and the potential for abuse of power by supervisors.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Green had worked for Muncy Creek Township since 2012, except for an 8-month period in 2023. He was promoted to public works foreman in January 2025. However, on January 5, 2026, supervisors Newcomer and Fry voted to terminate Green's employment, while the third supervisor, Gary Phillips, opposed the decision. Green claims he was fired for refusing to sign his opponent Fry's nominating petition in the 2025 supervisor election, and for making critical comments about waste, safety, and corruption in the township during the campaign.

  • Green was promoted to public works foreman on January 6, 2025.
  • Green refused to sign Fry's nominating petition for supervisor in February 2025.
  • Green ran for supervisor himself but lost to Fry in the Republican primary by 64 votes.
  • Supervisor Daniel Whitmoyer resigned in July 2025, and Fry was appointed to fill the vacancy.
  • On January 5, 2026, Newcomer and Fry voted to terminate Green's employment, while Phillips opposed the decision.

The players

Seth Green

A former public works foreman for Muncy Creek Township who claims he was fired for political reasons.

Eric Newcomer

A Muncy Creek Township supervisor who voted to terminate Green's employment.

Harley Fry II

A Muncy Creek Township supervisor who voted to terminate Green's employment and was the successful candidate in the 2025 supervisor election that Green had run in.

Gary Phillips

A Muncy Creek Township supervisor who opposed the decision to terminate Green's employment.

Daniel Whitmoyer

A former Muncy Creek Township supervisor who resigned in July 2025, leading to Fry's appointment to fill the vacancy.

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What they’re saying

“Green says he was told Fry wanted him fired for his comments during the election campaign about waste, safety and corruption in the township.”

— Seth Green, Former public works foreman

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow Green's lawsuit to proceed and potentially reinstate him to his former position.

The takeaway

This case highlights the delicate balance between the political rights of public employees and the authority of elected officials to manage their staff. It raises important questions about the boundaries of acceptable political activity and the potential for abuse of power in local government.