Wittig supported by board members

Tuesday’s snowstorm didn’t stop a Philadelphia reporter from traveling 100 miles to try to get answers from the president of the Tamaqua Area School Board of Education.

Tricia Nadolny came to Tamaqua to see why Larry Wittig didn’t resign from the Tamaqua School Board over allegations from more than 30 years ago concerning Wittig’s possible sexual misconduct when he was coaching a college rowing team. Wittig admitted to the Times News in December that he had sex with the then student, saying it was a “lapse in judgment.” His accuser, Annette DeMichele, said it was consensual at the time, but now, looking back, she felt she was unduly influenced by her coach.

After the article was published, Wittig resigned from his position as chairman of the state board of education, but said his position in Tamaqua would be determined by his fellow board members.

Wittig declined to answer Nadolny’s questions, but board Vice President Thomas Rottet was quick to defend his friend.

“I have zero concerns about Larry’s character. I’ve known him a long time and have never seen any evidence of that type of behavior,” Rottet said.

When asked if he thought the alleged victims (several more women came forward) were lying, Rottet went on to say, “I don’t know what happened 30 some years ago. I don’t know the women, and while I have no reason to believe they lied, I do know Larry.”

Rottet said he and his fellow directors support Wittig and there was never any discussion among them about asking him to resign.

“No one has come forward saying they are outraged about these claims. No one from the public has approached me, or any board member as far as I know, with concerns about Larry staying on the board.”

“Because of who he is and the character of the man, I don’t believe these claims are an issue locally,” Rottet said.

Wittig, according to Rottet, “cares more about the students in Tamaqua, and throughout the commonwealth, more than anyone I know.”

The answer to the Philadelphia reporter’s main question was answered by the board’s lack of action.

Wittig said this week he has no plans to resign.