Supervisor's Husband Retained By O'Neill Properties

East Whiteland supervisor Virginia McMichael announced Wednesday that O'Neill Property Management has retained her husband, Lawrence McMichael, as counsel. He will work on matters related to the stalled Uptown Worthington commercial development site at routes 29 and 202.

McMichael said she sought advice on how to handle the situation from William Lincke, the township solicitor, who cited applicable law and recommended she not participate in any decisions involving O'Neill.

"My intention, to avoid any appearance of impropriety, is, should O'Neill come before the board, I will leave the room so as not to influence decisions," McMichael said.

If the two remaining supervisors split the vote on one of those decisions, McMichael said she would have to return to the room, disclose her husband's affiliation and vote.

McMichael said O'Neill made the decision to hire her husband based on the recommendation of a third party, and that she and her husband do not and will not discuss legal matters. She also said that Lawrence's role would not require him to appear before the township supervisors.

"It's very important there be a 'Chinese wall' on these matters," she said.