Whitehall Township Treasurer Tina Koren has filed a federal lawsuit against the township and Mayor Joseph Marx Jr. The announcement was made Nov. 26 in a news release from Koren’s attorney, Matthew Mobilio.

The lawsuit alleges the mayor and the township staff retaliated against Koren for running against Marx in the 2023 municipal election and lodging complaints with the township, concerning a lack of staffing and the conduct of specific employees.

The lawsuit also alleges Marx tried to have Koren arrested for videotaping a public meeting, refused to provide staff to the tax collector’s office and then publicly shamed her by posting signs at the tax office and on the township’s website, blaming Koren for the lack of staffing.

Koren is also the township tax collector.

The tax office closed for a few days in August due to staffing issues. Koren, when announcing the office closing information, said she is unable to process payments because she is not a union member.

Koren also said, in August, the tax office was having personnel issues. She said she had requested assistance from township officials but alleged she received none.

Whitehall Township issued a statement at that time, saying, “The township treasurer has the power under the township Home Rule Charter to appoint such other employees as she determines are required to perform her job functions. The treasurer has not appointed any of her own employees to assist with duties that she believes are not being properly performed by township employees.”

Koren said she contacted an attorney because she believes she is being forced out of the position.

Whitehall Township issued a formal statement in August, when the tax office issues became public, noting it would not publicly comment on personnel matters.

“It is the township’s position that confidential information regarding employees should not be shared or discussed in public. Recently, allegations related to tax office employees, other township employees, the township administration and township board of commissioners were made on social media and to the press,” the statement read. “Rest assured, the township has taken all appropriate steps to address concerns regarding the tax office and will continue to support township employees and address all appropriately raised concerns.”

The lawsuit alleges Marx intentionally caused Koren emotional distress.

Mobilio, in his complaint, requested a jury trial.