A councilwoman from Harrisville was escorted out of this week’s meeting following a contentious public comment session.
Video from the Monday night’s meeting shows Councilwoman Mary Ann Hughes being handcuffed and escorted out of the meeting.
According to the Harrisville solicitor Sean Gallagher, the issue stemmed from a public comment session, when Hughes was speaking to council. The solicitor said that she was “reading out during public comment her complaint, previously submitted to Council, regarding an employee.”
The Harrisville solicitor said that “as a duly elected officer of the Borough, her actions were in violation of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, and other Federal and State employment laws.”
In the video, another council person can be heard telling Hughes to stop her comments because it deals with personnel.
As Hughes continued to speak, a Harrisville police officer took her out of the meeting.
The statement from the Gallagher also said that Hughes “made allegations that she did not know she was elected to her seat. If this is true, then it speaks volumes about the Councilperson’s ability to represent the residents and taxpayers of Harrisville Borough.”
Gallagher continued to say that the Borough stands by the conduct of its employees and officers during the election season.
The Borough also invited residents to their next meeting on May 11th if they would like to speak during public comment.
Video from Slippery Rock Mayor Jondavid Longo below:
I am deeply disgusted by the shocking abuse of power exhibited by Harrisville Borough Council and its President, April Anschutz, at their recent public meeting.
Ordering the forcible removal of duly elected Councilwoman Mary Ann Hughes, a 65 YEAR OLD WIDOW, business owner,… pic.twitter.com/PxfQ5WZrQ5
— Jondavid “JD” Longo (@JondavidRLongo) April 15, 2026
