Hellertown-Lower Saucon DJ Candidates' Night

(From L to R: Magisterial District Judge David Tidd, Dave Repyneck and Att'y Amanda Kurecian)

Hellertown Public Library was the venue last night for a debate among three candidates seeking the Magisterial District Judge in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township.Nearly 50 people attended the one and only time that all three will appear together before Election Day on May 19. The event was hosted by Northampton County's League of Women Voters. After five years on the job, Judge Tidd easily demonstrated that he is the most knowledgeable. Attorney Amanda Kurecian, who is absolutely beautiful when she smiles, was also very impressive. Repyneck was what I expected and ended the event with the cheap shot that he would restore integrity and honor to the office, something he claimed without explanation to be "severely lacking" now.

Repyneck, who initially said No to the debate, decided on Friday that he needed to be there. He packed the house with as many of his supporters as he could find. People like Lanita Lum insisted on carrying on conversations with other audience members while Beverly Hernandez and Joan Dean from the LWV attempted to explain the format.

When Hernandez complained about questions that were addressed to just one and not all candidate, Repyneck's rowdies began loudly complaining. "This is what to expect from the League of Women Voters," complained either Lum or the woman aside her, who sarcastically told me after it was all over that she could not wait to blog about it.

Nasty people.

During the evening, Repyneck incorrectly claimed that he can charge for weddings, although he claimed he would give his fee to charity. Tidd corrected that inaccuracy. Repyneck also claimed inaccurately that attorneys who become district judges still have to go through part of the certification course that will be required of Repyneck if he wins. That is also untrue, Tidd observed, although there is a requirement of continuing education.

When it was pointed out that the certification course for a magisterial district judge is quite difficult, Repyneck boasted has has gone through more stress than either of his opponents.

"I would invite Mr. Repyneck to take the bar exam," retorted Tidd.

Kurecian observed that Repyneck, if elected, could only be tested twice. If he failed a second time, there would have to be a special election. .

When asked about what kind of service organizations they participate in, Kurecian stated she is involved in a dog rescue group, helps coach volleyball and does pro bono work as an attorney. Tidd stated he is involved in the Saucon Valley Community Center, the relay for life and provides between $25,000 and $35,000 in free bankruptcy services every year. Repyneck belongs to the Sportsman's Association and is a merit m=badge instructor.

Repyneck at one point stated he is a big defender of the second amendment and a well-regulated militia. I'm not sure what his point was, but there it is.

He repeatedly referred to himself as Diane Repyneck's cousin. She is a former magisterial District Judge. She did not attend, and has remained neutral in this race.  

When asked about making unpopular decisions, Repyneck pointed to an instance in the military when he dropped the dime on fellow officers who claimed falsely that they had taken their fitness tests. The officers were reprimanded, claimed Repyneck. Kurecian stated that her pro-life support sometimes makes her unpopular. Tidd stated he makes unpopular decisions in his court room every day. Somebody loses.

Candidates were also asked for suggestions on improving the magisterial district judge system. Tidd stated the biggest problem is the lack of security for members of the public and his won staff. He 'd also like the County to start making credit card payments possible, and would like the state to agree with expanded hours.

Kurecian would like to see night courts, problem solving courts and more pro bono lawyers.

Repyneck agreed with his opponents and added the position should be full-time. That position is also supported by Kurecian, but not Tidd, who maintains a private practice in Hellertown. But he stressed that his first obligation is to clear the court's calendar for the day, whether that takes one hour or eight hours.

Repyneck Meets Bottom-Feeding Blogger, Face to Face

David Repyneck is one of three candidates in the hotly contested race for Magisterial District Judge in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township. The other two candidates are the incumbent, David Tidd, and Attorney Amanda Kurecian.

"Be a man and meet me face to face," Repyneck told me last week, after I posted stories that raised some questions about his candidacy.

So I did. On Friday, I met him at the Hellertown Diner. He told me to be a man and talk to him face-to-face, but brought his wife. One of his supporters, Lanita Lum, also crashed what I thought was supposed to be an interview with the candidate. Both had lots of negative things to say about Tidd. But I was there to hear from the candidate, not them. Eventually, we had to consign them to another table. Here's what I learned.

1. Repyneck agrees he should be at Tuesday's debate. - On Tuesday, the League of Women Voters will host a debate for the three candidates at the Hellertown Library, 7 pm. Repyneck had declined because he was meeting a potential donor at that time. But if my series of blogs about this race has done nothing else, it has convinced him that he owes it to voters to be there. he reportedly is clearing his schedule to do so, though it's still unclear whether he will attend.

2. Allegations made by Repyneck's ex are a nonissue. - Although I felt it was important that Repyneck respond to serious allegations made about him by his ex-wife in several police reports, his simple denial is good enough for me. He has never received so much as a parking ticket.

3. Repyneck running on his last name. - He is a second cousin to Diane Repyneck, who held office before Tidd took over. She has made no endorsement, preferring to be Switzerland in this race. But he's running on his last name. His web page even includes a "Repyneck Family in Criminal Justice" section. If this were a Kingdom, I could see him claiming some sort of right to the throne. Theoretically, it should make no difference what his last name is, but the Repyneck family is well known in Hellertown and Lower Saucon. That alone will get him votes and might even win the race.

4. Repyneck is scheduled to take Magistrate's course. - Tidd and Kurecian, by virtue of their law degrees, are automatically certified to become magisterial district judges if they win the election. Nonlawyers like Repyneck must be certified. He lacks that certification, but is enrolled in the four-week course commencing June 1.

5. Repyneck prejudges. -  During the interview, he would say things that, on further questioning, appear to be untrue or questionable. Let me give you an example. He accused Hellertown Mayor Richard Fluck of destroying a Repyneck sign near Fluck's home. When I asked him if he was sure Fluck destroyed that sign, Repyneck stated, "In my opinion, yes. I believe he did."

There's absolutely no physical evidence to support that opinion. Nobody saw Hizzoer out in the middle of the night, ripping out his signs. But Repyneck is willing to prejudge Fluck because Fluck supports Tidd.

6. Repyneck has filed ethical complaints against Tidd. - In an email confirming our interview, Repyneck claimed that "your boy TIdd is currently under investigation for Judicial Misconduct. Did you know that ??????" I didn't. That was one of the first things I questioned.

At first, Repyneck was evasive, calling it "word on the street." Then it was anonymous sources he was unable to reveal . But as I pressed, he finally acknowledged that he filed one complaint and his wife another. He filed a complaint against Tidd because he did not like the way Tidd spoke to his wife when she was circulating a petition on her husband's behalf. That's obviously frivolous.

A second complaint against Tidd, filed just last month, concerns Tidd's representation of Repyneck's wife in December 2012. She was being sued in a collection matter, and Tidd was recommended as a good bankruptcy lawyer. Neither he nor she was aware that he was the judge in the collections matter.Once he became aware, the matter was transferred to another magisterial district judge. There is nothing improper here. Had Repyneck really thought so, why did she wait until April 2015 to make a complaint?

7. Repyneck's troubling views about PFAs.- During our interview, Repyneck displayed contempt for Protection From Abuse Act (PFA) Orders, even though a magisterial district judge has the authority to grant or deny an emergency PFA. "When women want to screw with a man, thy play the PFA card," he insisted. "It clogs up our judicial system." It appears that his own negative experience has made it questionable whether he can be fair and impartial.

Pennsylvania's Protection From Abuse Act (PFA) was adopted because our criminal law is inadequate for dealing with the violence that sometimes arises in a domestic environment. Police are reluctant to get involved, especially when battered wives drop charges only days after they are filed. So this domestic, non-criminal law was adopted. It includes a temporary protection order, which can be issued based on the testimony of just one person, to provide some basic protection from violence, as well as a cooling off period.

It can be abused by parties seeking a keg up in a divorce or custody. But anyone who sees the women walking into the courthouse, day after day, beaten and bruised, will quickly agree it is a much needed tool.

I have done my own research on these actions, and know the following. First, contrary to what Repyneck claims, PFAs have actually decreased in Northampton County over the past dozen years. Second, over half of the temporary PFAs issued are later withdrawn or dismissed. This could mean that the parties were able to cool down and sort things out. But what's disturbing is that, in many of the withdrawn cases, the files contain photographic evidence containing proof that there was violence.

Tomorrow, I will write about some of the claims Repyneck has made about Tidd.

Repyneck Responds to Allegations

David Repyneck, who is running for Magisterial District Judge in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township, has responded to Monday's blog about his race with these comments:

10:25 pm: Mr. O'Hare, if you want answers to the questions, feel free to contact me and I will meet with you to discuss your inaccurate facts and slanderous accusations. On the PFA, it was the strategy of my ex-wife's scum bag attorney to file it when I exercised my Soldier civil relief rights and she had to wait for extra money for child support during my deployment to Iraq.

You fail to let your audience know that the PFA was withdrawn by Penelope as frivolous after I went to her attorney and provided her with documentation alleging child abuse allegations to include leaving my daughter in the presence of a registered sex offender in October of 2007. She is prohibited from having relationships with convicted offenders under Lehigh County Policy. I will be more than happy to give you my side of the story since you have hers so that your readers can determine that 3rd side of the story.

Be a man and meet me face to face and I will discuss my ex-wife’s allegations and my intentions for the candidate forum.

10:29 pm: I respond: Mr. Repyneck, I have been a man. I sent you these allegations in advance and asked for a reply. I am willing to meet you in person as well. You, however, have not been a man. You have ducked a debate sponsored by a nonpartisan group.

I am making no accusations. I am repeating what appears in several police reports and am asking for your side of the story. I also accurately reported that the PFA was withdrawn as a result of a stipulation of the parties. I have that stipulation and know exactly what is in it, as well as subsequent matters, so don't try to bullshit me as you are doing here. It will only make matters worse for you. I am emailing you for a one-on-one.

Email to Repyneck (10:36 pm): I am available to meet you in person tomorrow or Wednesday evening. I prefer meeting in a diner. Please advise me what time and place and I will be there.

10:31 pm: Mr. O'Hare, I resigned from my job at Lehigh County to pursue an opportunity to serve my country full time in the PA Army National Guard. I do not use drugs. I do not sell drugs. My ex wife with whom you have been in touch, is a pathological liar. She involved my kids in her love affair for over 5 years. I contacted Lehigh COunty Adult Probation today and spoke to Chief Probation Officer Ann Marie Egizio. She is very familiar with Penelope and her issues. I will be meeting with her later this week to discuss my ex wife's activities with convicted criminals, especially sex offenders. I have the supporting documents and the pictures. I will be more than happy to share them with you. The comments from my ex wife are the result of a bad divorce.

So there you have it. His wife's lawyer is a "scum bag attorney", his wife is a "pathological liar," the PFA was "frivolous" and he has "supporting documents and pictures" to show she consorts with sex offenders. He denies selling or using drugs.

Why Repyneck Will Avoid Candidates' Nights

Last week, I told you about a candidates' night in the Magisterial District Judge race in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township. Incumbent David Tidd is facing two challengers, Attorney Amanda Kurecian and David Repyneck, a former probation officer and retired military man. The Northampton County League of Women Voters has scheduled a debate for Tuesday, May 12, 7 pm, at the Hellertown Library. Tidd "looks forward" to it. Kurecian is "excited" by the opportunity. But Repyneck will be a no-show. Asked if some other night might work, retired Repyneck is too busy. Obviously, he's unwilling to face some hard questions.

1. Why did Repyneck's career in criminal justice end so suddenly? - On his web page, Repyneck takes credit for 13 years of experience in criminal justice. He is apparently referring to his work as a Lehigh County Probation Officer. So why did his career there suddenly end after just ten years? Did he resign on his own or was he asked to quit? He owes voters an answer to that question. His ex-wife is still employed there, and as a probation officer.

2. Is Repyneck using, and possibly selling, drugs? - That's what his ex-wife has told Lower Saucon police on several occasions. Now this could be "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" situation, or it could be true. She is, after all,  a probation officer. On June 7, 2011,  PTL Robert Winters witnessed a custody exchange in an empty Pathmark parking lot, noting that Repyneck displayed an "attitude." After it was over, his ex told police of different areas they should watch, where he uses and sells drugs. On July 13, 2012, she spoke to PTL John Bowlby, in response to a harassment complaint that Repyneck made about her. Denying any kind of harassment, she told the officer that Repyneck has been under the influence of marijuana and alcohol in the presence of their children. She expressed concern about his "supposed drug use" again to PTL Bowlby on September 22, 2012. After a custody exchange on March 4, 2010, he approached PTL Charles Werkheiser and "seemed to be on a short fuse."

3. Does Repyneck have a legal and illegal gun stash? - That's what his ex told PTL Robert Winters on Jun 7, 2011, claiming "he does have a large 'arsenal' of legal and illegal firearms stashed throughout the township (one apparently being as close as two blocks away from the PD)."

On March 9, 2010, a temporary Protection From Abuse Act Order was entered in Lehigh County against Repyneck, but it was withdrawn pursuant to a March 16, 2010 Stipulation. Under its terms, his wife was awarded exclusive possession of the marital residence, located in Salisbury Tp.

I should note that I'm unable to find any evidence that Repyneck has ever been charged, let alone convicted, with so much as a parking ticket. But he's running for a judicial position and has an obligation to respond to these serious allegations. Considering the source, I do take them with a grain or two of salt. But before he asks anyone to vote for him, I think he needs to answer these questions. I have asked him to provide an explanation, which I will post here.

Blogger's Note: The police reports are below, and I believe I have fairly and accurately portrayed the information in them.  I do have information concerning the PFA, but am not posting it.

Police Reports Concerning David Repyneck

LWV Schedules Candidates' Night For Hellertown Mini-Judge Candidates

David Tidd

They used to be called Justices of the Peace, and many of them did a great job preserving that peace over the years. In his 36 years on the front lines of our justice system, John Gombosi used common sense and good humor to keep South Bethlehem from breaking out into riots. I call them mini judges, but our regular judges will be the first to tell you how important they are.

Last week, I told you about a disputed magisterial contest in Bethlehem Township, in which five people are in contention for a job that pays $88,000 a year.

There's another magisterial race in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Tp. Magisterial District Judge David Tidd has two opponents. One is Attorney Amanda Kurecian, a divorce attorney with her own practice in Allentown. The other is David Repyneck, a former probation officer who served in the National Guard.

He is unrelated to former Magisterial District Judge Diane Repyneck. From what I hear at the courthouse, Repyneck is running a fairly negative campaign, but strangely will be a no-show at a candidates' night to be hosted by the League of Women Voters on Tuesday, May 12th, 2015 at 7pm, at the Hellertown Area Library, located at 409 Constitution Ave., Hellertown, PA 18055.

I will find out more about each candidate and report to you.

Tidd Has Challenger is Hellertown District Judge Race

Magisterial District Judge David Tidd has an opponent in his race for re-election to the Magiesterial District covering Hellertown and lower Saucon Township. He's being opposed by Amanda Kurecian, another attorney, who lives in Lower Sauson. Below is her announcement.

Amanda Kurecian, Esq. is announcing her candidacy for Magisterial District Judge 03-2-04, which covers Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township.

Ms. Kurecian has a family law practice in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She has been a resident of the Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township district since 1989. Ms. Kurecian attended St. Theresa's Elementary School, Bethlehem Catholic High School, and Lehigh University before completing her education at Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law.

Ms. Kurecian is running for district judge because she has a strong desire to serve the Saucon Valley community. She wants the voters to know that she is qualified, capable, and trustworthy.

Ms. Kurecian is a a Republican, but plans to cross-file.

At Becahi, Amanda was named female athlete of the year, yet still graduated in the top 5%.

When I graduated from Beca, I was very nearly named top female athlete myself.