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What Happens When a Citizen Asks Questions? My Confrontation with Mahanoy City Borough
“Anonymous?”… A Curious Excuse to Deny My Legal RTK Requests
On July 15th, 2025, something happened in a small-town borough meeting that deserves your attention.
My name is Frank Curry. I’m a journalist, founder of FOIA Buddy, and a resident of Pennsylvania. For nearly two years, I’ve used my own money and time to fight for public transparency under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law (RTKL). But what you’re about to see in the video below raises serious questions—questions every taxpayer deserves to ask.
Why would a government body deny a records request by claiming the requester is “anonymous”… when they already know who I am?
Watch What Happened: My On-Camera Confrontation with Mahanoy City
In the embedded video, I speak directly to Mahanoy City Borough officials. This wasn’t just a typical council meeting, it was the culmination of years of stonewalling and denials, including a rejection of my RTK request on the grounds that I was supposedly “anonymous.”
But that’s not how the law works.
Who Oversees Right-to-Know Decisions in Mahanoy City?
The officials responsible for handling Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) requests and transparency policy in Mahanoy City Borough include the following public figures, as listed on the borough’s official website:
John Fatula – Borough Manager and Right-to-Know Officer
Michael Connolly – Council Chairperson
Thomas McCabe – Vice Chairperson
Council Members: John Hruniuk, Rachel Zukas, Kathleen McKerns
Eric M. Lieberman – Borough Solicitor
Cliceida Ruiz – Secretary
Brigette Shinton – Treasurer
These are the individuals who oversee how the borough interprets and responds to RTK requests, including the decision to label my verified submission as “anonymous.”
As public officials, their roles carry responsibility for compliance with Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law and for ensuring citizens are not excluded from accessing information they are legally entitled to.
Borough email: https://www.mahanoycity.org/
Background: A Pattern of Excuses and Delays?
Take this sequence:
First, the borough manager responded to my RTK request asking for a 30-day extension.
Then, instead of complying, the borough denied my request—claiming it couldn’t be fulfilled because I didn’t identify myself.
Isn’t that contradictory?
If the borough didn’t know who I was, why acknowledge the request and ask for an extension? Why not dismiss it immediately?
This kind of behavior… delay followed by denial… is what many open government advocates call a “pattern of obstruction.” While I can’t claim malicious intent without proof, I can raise the question:
Are certain borough officials using red tape and technicalities to avoid scrutiny?
Rumors, Conflict, and the Silence of Oversight
During this investigation, multiple sources from surrounding townships have approached me with information. One claim is particularly disturbing:
Did another township submit fraud evidence to the District Attorney—only to be ignored?
Some have speculated that pursuing these claims might jeopardize existing criminal convictions, raising legal and political risks. Even more troubling are local whispers that the solicitor for the borough may also hold a position within the DA’s office.
If that’s true, does it present a conflict of interest? Could this overlap explain the lack of meaningful oversight?
Of course, these are only questions. I present them here not as fact, but as avenues for public inquiry.
Emotion, Accountability, and Why I’m Not Backing Down
In the video, you’ll hear emotion in my voice. That’s real.
Because this isn’t just about me, it’s about every taxpayer who’s been ignored when asking where their money goes, and why their government won’t answer.
Transparency isn’t optional. It’s a legal right under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law.
So what happens when someone who’s filed court actions, spoken at meetings, and submitted valid requests is labeled “anonymous”? Is it an oversight or a tactic?
I’ve submitted multiple RTK requests. I’ve been acknowledged by name. I have an active lawsuit against this borough. And yet, they say they don’t know who I am?
That raises a bigger question: If this happens to someone visible, what happens to everyday citizens?
This isn’t just about one denial, it’s about how the system treats people who ask questions.
And I’m not done asking.
What Comes Next: Documents, Evidence, and a Bigger Fight
In the coming days, I’ll be releasing email chains, public records, and additional video footage that may shed more light on these issues.
One thing’s clear: the public deserves better.
Should a borough be allowed to deny requests for public records while actively involved in litigation with the requester?
Should local officials face consequences when they appear to bend the law to avoid releasing potentially embarrassing information?
Should residents have to fight this hard just to see where their tax dollars go?
Call to Action: We the People Decide
This isn’t just about Mahanoy City anymore. This is about every citizen in every small town who’s been told to “sit down and shut up” when asking fair questions.
If you’ve witnessed fraud, abuse, or stonewalling in your own town—tell someone.
📧 Submit tips to: tip@foiabuddy.com
📽️ Watch the full video above and decide for yourself.
🔁 Share this post if you believe in government accountability.
Final Thought
As I said in the video:
“They count on us staying quiet. But we’re not going anywhere.”
And we won’t.
Because the truth matters.
More Articles
Escorted Out by Schuylkill County’s RTK Goon Squad
I wasn’t disruptive. I asked lawful questions, then I was silenced. When Schuylkill County deputies removed me from the room during a public meeting, it sent a chilling message: asking for transparency might get you escorted out.
This article covers what happened when I confronted the system, why Schuylkill County’s Right-to-Know officer played a key role, and what this means for citizens who just want answers, not retaliation.
🚨 Watch the footage, see how it unfolded, and decide for yourself:
Escorted Out – RTK Confrontation in Schuylkill County
Disclaimer
This article reflects the author’s personal experience and informed opinion following multiple interactions with Mahanoy City Borough officials in the context of Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law. All commentary is based on publicly available information, firsthand records, official meeting footage, and filed litigation currently pending before the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court. The statements herein are intended as fair comment on matters of significant public concern, including government transparency, access to records, and the administration of RTK requests.
This post does not allege criminal conduct. It critiques the interpretation and enforcement of public records access procedures, potential misapplication of the term “anonymous,” and broader patterns observed in the borough’s handling of transparency-related matters. Where speculation or questions are raised, they are clearly framed as opinion or inquiry, not factual assertion.
Any mention of public officials, solicitors, or administrative staff is intended to contribute to a larger public dialogue about accountability and the rights of citizens to access government records. Satirical, rhetorical, or emotional language used in the post is protected speech under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
This article is published for journalistic, informational, and advocacy purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice.
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Transparency shouldn’t require a lawsuit. But if it does, I’ll be there fighting as a pro se litigant so you don’t have to.
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If you have information about fraud, abuse, or retaliation, contact FOIA Buddy today. Let’s work together to expose the truth, ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice for all.
