The TRUTH clarifies the controversy over the departure of Borough Manager, John Shepherd. Mr. Shepard is highly competent and would have been a tremendous asset to Jefferson Hills Borough. It will never be known, now, but it appeared that he would have saved the Borough, and ultimately tax payers, considerable money. But so far, his departure has wasted $25,000 plus benefits of taxpayer money.

Make no mistake about it – John Shepherd was TERMINATED, and without cause – a political maneuver. Solicitor Mike Adams was very correct when he stated that this council’s hands were tied by the previous council’s Contract with the MANGER that was established.

The contract was a good and effective contract, requiring the Borough to pay the Manager a reasonable severance pay – if TERMINATED! There absolutely was no provision for severance pay due to a voluntary resignation. However should a representative of the majority of council request or suggest resignation to the Manager, then the Manger had the right to declare that he was terminated, thus the payment of severance pay and all provisions that were part and parcel to a termination. This in fact is what did occur. Under the guise of voluntary resignation, Mr. Shepard was indeed TERMINATED, and received severance pay and termination benefits according to the contract.

Of course, the citizens may display agreement or disagreement next election.