Firme, who has been an agricultural inspector for 20 years, said the forest pest program receives federal funding.
Firme said he received a call from the OSC in July, and told the caller he never had heard of the Hatch Act. That call was followed by a fact-finding investigation and decision letter.
"Nowhere in the letter does it say I have to resign. ... I'll finish out my term," he said. "In 2009, I just won't run."
Firme decided to seek the elected position after watching the supervisors make decisions about a planned residential development near Harbaugh Church Cemetery that landed them in court. Now, one of his primary goals is "trying to get developers to do things correctly."
All of the supervisors want to ensure the coming housing developments are the best they can be, Firme said.
"We care about our township," he said. "Otherwise, we wouldn't have run."
The five-person board received two new members, John Gorman and Carroll Sturm, in January.
"We seem to be working together pretty well. I think we get a good perspective on things," Sturm said. That comes from having a board with a mix of opinions and viewpoints, he said.
"(Firme) is pretty strong on environmental issues and things to do with his forestry background," Sturm said.
Firme said he works for the township citizens, and will continue to do so until his six-year term expires.
"I think this could've been handled differently. The person (who filed a complaint), whoever it may be, could've gone to the (county) election board," Firme said. That board didn't mention the Hatch Act in its candidate materials, he said.
"I do feel like my constitutional rights have been violated, but because it is the law, I will abide by it," Firme said.
