Exeter Township supervisors settle dispute with one of their own

The Exeter Township supervisors and Supervisor David Hughes, long embroiled in disputes and lawsuits, have reached a deal that will see the two sides drop their fight and Hughes give up his post.

A statement from the board issued Friday said the two sides have entered into an agreement that resolve their differences. Hughes was not immediately available for comment.

The agreement includes ending litigation the township filed in Berks County Court in October against Hughes. That lawsuit sought an injunction against Hughes, claiming he was posting confidential township information on his website and on social media.

The agreement also brings to an end claims Hughes has made, or has provided notice he intends to claim, of the township violating state and federal law.

The agreement includes a mutual release, which means neither the township nor Hughes admit any liability to the accusation each has made about the other.

The supervisors’ statement also says that, because the relationship between the board and Hughes has “fractured,” Hughes has agreed to resign from his office so that “Mr. Hughes and the board of supervisors may continue to serve the community along their own separate paths.”

The board will accept his resignation at a meeting Tuesday night. The board also during that meeting will rescind previous censures it has issued against Hughes.

Hughes was a vocal critic of the township long before taking office in 2022. During his 2 1/2 years on the board, he often found himself at odds with his fellow supervisors.

He was twice censured — once in 2022 and once in 2023 — for what his colleagues called his ongoing “improper and unprofessional” behavior. In their 2023 censure the board claimed:

• Hughes repeatedly accused the township of violating the Sunshine Act and other laws without basis for the allegations.

• Hughes repeatedly posted privileged communications with the township solicitor on his webpage and YouTube.

• Hughes referenced the assassination of another board member during a public meeting.

• Hughes routinely during public meetings displayed signage, interrupts other supervisors and staff, makes unreasonable noise while others are speaking, maligns others, makes personal attacks, questions the motives of other supervisors and is otherwise disruptive.

During the 2022 censure Hughes was also removed as vice president of the board.

Source: Berkshire mont