Local business owner questions council about controversial email

Jesse Sweigart addressed council Tuesday night about allegations in an email sent to borough officials. 

JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY 

An email sent to borough officials and others in recent weeks is raising questions about alleged misconduct, internal conflicts, and lack of transparency in Columbia Borough government.

Jesse Sweigart, local business owner and administrator of columbiapa.online, says that the email, which references incidents involving borough officials between 2024 and 2025, contains allegations  that point to ethical issues in the borough. He says officials have stayed silent despite being aware of the email, and asked for them to take action. 

Sweigart read from a prepared statement when he addressed council at the February 24, 2026 Columbia Borough Council meeting.  

"Why has nobody publicly addressed or called for an investigation into the troubling email that every news organization and several elected officials have already received?" Sweigart asked. "The public is aware that something is wrong. The silence only makes it worse."

Sweigart said the email contains "graphic and disturbing" allegations about inappropriate images sent on borough-issued devices. He said the email also mentions missing records and internal pressure on employees. He asked for council's acknowledgment that the email exists, as well as for an independent review. He noted, however, that none of the allegations have been verified. 

"No one is asking this council to declare guilt," Sweigart continued. "What the community is asking is for acknowledgement, transparency and a commitment to due process." He said that if the allegations are false, council's admission would clear the air. "Why hasn't anyone suggested even a preliminary inquiry? If the allegations are false, then why not say so we can clear the air?" 

"I urge this council to acknowledge the existence of this email and concerning nature, because I spoke to a few of you, and we know it exists," Sweigart said.

Zink: "You're demanding we tell you things...that we're legally not allowed to discuss."

Ultimately, officials ignored Sweigart's concerns. Heather Zink, council vice president, reacted defensively. "You all act like you're calling for investigation into this and that. How do you know we haven't already done anything—because we haven't told you?" Zink asked. "You said you're not demanding action, but yet you are demanding action." Zink said council cannot legally discuss the issues, because they're personnel matters. 

Evan Gabel, borough solicitor, agreed, saying the borough cannot and will not comment on personnel matters.