Two Shohola officials accused of influence peddling

The officials deny the charge

By TOM KANE

SHOHOLA, PA — Before a packed house at the township monthly meeting, attorney Eric Hamill, who is also a resident, accused Nelia and Don Wall of influence peddling and conflict of interest.

Nelia, who serves as a township supervisor, and Don, who fills the job of zoning officer, are co-owners of TLC Excavation and Landscaping.

Any contractor must seek a permit from the township in order to do any work. As secretary, Nelia Wall hands out the permits that must be submitted to the township. Hamill claims that at the time a contractor approaches the township, Nelia inappropriately gave out information about her and her husband’s company.

At the meeting on November 12, Hamill called for the Walls to resign their positions.

“The promotion of one’s private enterprise through the activities of their public office, in this case, is inheritably coercive to both residents and contractors,” Hamill said. “This has the effect of creating a fear of retribution through enforcement action or through non-issuance or delay in permitting by the township officials.”

“I categorically deny the allegations of Mr. Hamill,” Nelia said. “In the interest of transparency, I request an immediate investigation by an independent third-party or public official into the allegations against me. I pledge to make available any and all information required of me in order to facilitate a thorough investigation as to the veracity of these allegations.”

Nelia insisted that the official investigating the matter should not in any way be affiliated with the township of Shohola.“I ask that an investigation be promptly expedited in the interest of clearing my name of these defamatory accusation,” she said.

During the meeting, several residents rose in support of Hamill’s accusation. One speaker, who is a contractor, said, “I want my town back.”

Following that, numerous township residents rose in support of the Walls, stating that the twosome has served the township unselfishly for many years, proving their loyalty and honesty.

At the meeting, Steve Dellert, the chairman of the township board, announced that they had held two executive sessions earlier in the week to discuss the matter. The township attorney, Michael Parker, said later that the procedure followed was legal.

Dellert then explained what would now occur.

“We ask that Mr. Hamill submit his accusations in writing, after which we will hold an investigation and make a decision,” Dellert said. “Then, we will announce our findings at a public meeting.

After the meeting, Hamill said that the township was sweeping the matter under the rug of bureaucracy and would never give him a fair hearing.

“I will not be intimidated by veiled threats, fabricated rumors or anonymous accusations,” Nelia said. “I intend to continue my duties as township supervisor and secretary for as long as the honest people of Shohola Township allow me.”