Yardley Councilwoman Decries 'Bullying' On Board

YARDLEY, PA — Tensions on Yardley Borough's council boiled over at a recent meeting, with a first-year member publicly decrying a "pervasive bullying mentality" on the board.

Councilwoman Sandi Brady's comments specifically targeted Councilman Mike Ruttle, who she said has repeatedly verbally abused her since she took office. She said the most recent abuse happened at a closed-door executive session designed to hire a new borough manager.

"There is, in fact, a pervasive bullying mentality and culture on this council," she said, according to a video of the Tuesday, Oct. 2 meeting.

Ruttle, the council's longest-serving member and former president of the council, was not present at the Oct. 2 meeting. He did not immediately respond to an email request for comment on Friday.

Brady and Councilman Ryan Berry reportedly walked out of the session after Ruttle yelled personal insults at Brady. But she said it was not the first time he'd targeted her and questioned how her colleagues have responded.

"He has called me a viper, the enemy, corrupt, poison, the worst thing that has happened to this town," Brady said. "All of my colleagues ... have witnessed Mr. Ruttle's attacks on me but, unfortunately, politics and the power of a vote sometimes carry greater weight than human decency or doing the right thing."

Brady cited an incident in April when she said Ruttle sat with his back to her during a presentation she was giving, then "yelled, screamed and insulted" her. She also alleged that Ruttle gave former Borough Manager John Boyle explicit orders not to fulfill requests she made to his office.

"As with most bullies and their targets, Mr. Ruttle doesn't know me at all. We have never had a one-on-one conversation. We have never worked on a committee together," Brady said. "He simply targeted me from the onset and has repeatedly undermined and insulted me since I joined council."

Brady received a standing ovation from many in attendance at the Oct. 2 meeting after delivering her prepared remarks.

At that meeting, the council voted 6-0 to name Paula Johnson, a former assistant who had served as acting manager in Boyle's absence, to the job permanently. The vote came after a nearly yearlong search that saw council members argue over search firms and, at one point, consider current council President Bryon Marshall for the job.

Brady said she hoped her public comments would encourage her council colleagues to no longer accept abusive behavior.

"I hope that my colleagues will help drive a culture change that is needed on council," she said. "I hope they will lead with integrity and do the right thing, even when no one is watching."

Brady photo courtesy Good Neighbors For Yardley Borough Council.