An East Lackawannock Township man who asked for the names and addresses of Mercer Elementary School kindergartners claims he had wanted the names only for a private kindergarten he planned to open at one time.

But once those plans fell through, Eldon N. Watson III, 48, of 1256 Mercer-New Wilmington Road, said he wanted to use the names to talk to parents of kindergartners who might be concerned about a trend toward all-day kindergarten, and proceeded to take Mercer Area School District to court, citing Pennsylvania's Right To Know Act when he did not get a response.

"I have no dark secrets or hidden agendas," he said. "There are many parents and teachers in the community who know me personally and can attest to my family values and character."

Watson had previously offered no reason for making the request, prompting parental concerns about his request.