An investigation by Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck's office has determined there is no evidence that four North Huntingdon commissioners violated the state Sunshine Act by conducting informal meetings to discuss the status of Kelly S. Wolfe as township manager.

After refusing to accept a demotion to assistant manager, she resigned in February after negotiating a $94,151 severance package that included $76,146 in cash and 18 months of township-paid health care benefits.

Commissioners David Herold, Don Austin, Anthony Martino and Angelo Furlin voted for motions to accept Mrs. Wolfe's resignation and approve the severance settlement. Richard Gray, Lee Moffat and Fred Patter dissented on both motions.

During discussion before the voting, Mr. Gray accused the four Democratic board members who favored the motions of violating the Sunshine Act.

Township Solicitor Bruce Dice advised the commissioners that, because of a confidentiality clause in the agreement with Mrs. Wolfe, they cannot talk publicly about details.

Mr. Gray filed a complaint with the district attorney's office in February, alleging Mr. Martino, Mr. Herold, Mr. Austin and Mr. Furlin conspired to remove Mrs. Wolfe.

In a letter dated May 6 informing Mr. Gray of his decision, Mr. Peck said all four commissioners were adamant in denying they met to discuss removing Mrs. Wolfe.

Mr. Peck's letter said in part: "Although there has been an allegation of a violation of the Sunshine Act, there is no evidence to support such a claim ... since a conviction is clearly based on the evidence in this matter, I respectfully decline to prosecute the alleged violation."

Mr. Martino said: "I feel compelled to react because District Attorney Peck's decision is vindication for Commissioners Herold, Austin, Furlin and me.

"After [the four were] publicly demeaned, slandered and falsely accused, the people of North Huntingdon now know that their elected officials did no wrong.

"Personal agendas should be put aside. Instead of a continuing power struggle for control of the board, all commissioners should be working as a team to ensure the best interests of the township."