Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit April 23, 2002, No. 01-3300 (Fryer v. Noecker)

OPINION OF THE COURT

RENDELL, Circuit Judge.

John Fryer contends that he was dismissed from his public position in retaliation for protected activity, giving rise to a First Amendment retaliation claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Fryer had made known his desire to be appointed to the position *853of Road Master of East Brunswick Township, and had circulated a petition in support of his appointment.