Pocono Township commissioner resigns mid‑meeting after blistering critique of board conduct

Commissioner Mike Valardi resigned from the Pocono Township Board of Commissioners during the June 16 meeting after delivering a long, sharply worded speech criticizing the board’s conduct and fiscal approach.

In remarks to the board and members of the public, Valardi said the township was “operating as poorly as it is right now,” warned that repeatedly rejecting development would shrink the tax base and ultimately raise taxes for residents, and accused colleagues of “personal politics” and reactionary decision‑making. He also said an email containing sensitive personal information about the former township manager, Jared Belvin, had been circulated and called that breach “reckless” and inappropriate.

Valardi cited staff and volunteer departures, missed grant opportunities and a structural budget deficit he said the board must confront. He framed his resignation as a conscience decision: “I can no longer be a part of a board sending our town down this dangerous path,” he said, and announced his resignation “effective right now.”

After Valardi’s statement the board acknowledged his service and discussed next steps. Township solicitor Leo and staff explained the legal process for filling the vacancy: the board has 45 days to appoint a replacement; interviews must be public; if the board cannot appoint within 45 days, the vacancy board process begins and could lead to a court petition.

The board agreed to advertise the vacancy immediately and discuss scheduling interviews. Several commissioners proposed a special meeting on July 14 to consider candidates; others preferred handling appointments at the regular July meetings. The solicitor advised the board to set application deadlines and plan publicly advertised interviews to satisfy the timeline.

The board did not vote on any successor at the June 16 session. The vacancy will remain open while the board finalizes an application timeline and interview schedule.