Montco DA Will Investigate Commissioners' Breakfasts

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- The Montgomery County district attorney's office say it will investigate allegations that two county commissioners -- who formed a bipartisan alliance after they were elected -- may have violated Pennsylvania's "Sunshine Law" because of twice-a-month breakfast meetings at a Norristown area restaurant.

According to the Times-Herald newspaper, one of their reporters overheard commissioners Jim Matthews and Joe Hoeffel talking about county business over meals at the Jem Restaurant, in East Norriton.

Hoeffel (above) told reporters the breakfasts were a way for him and Matthews to get to know each other to help govern the county. But Hoeffel says there were no deliberations.

"Jim Matthews never says much of anything.  I don't know how he's going to vote on Wednesdays, let alone deliberate with him ahead of time.  And that kind of briefing is totally legal, whether it's public or private or in a back room or on a rooftop," Hoeffel said.

Montgomery County DA Risa Ferman says her office will follow the evidence wherever it leads.

The board's third member, Bruce Castor (who was not invited to the breakfasts) had pushed for the investigation.

Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio 1060.