NorCo's Former EMS Director Seeks Hellertown Judgeship

Robert Mateff

When he was in Northampton County, he may very well have been the county's MVP. Aside from Council Clerk Frank Flisser and Budget Administrator Doran Hammon, no one understood the county better. As Director of the county's Emergency Management, he completely revolutionized the department and made it an effective tool that planned for every emergency, from hurricane to chemical spill. Now Bob, a lifelong Hellertown resident who started his career as a dispatcher in their police department, would like to be the Magiserial District Judge for Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township.

He's a Summa Cum Laude graduate of DeSales University with a degree in Criminal Justice. His start as a Hellertown Borough Police Department led toaquarter century career in public safety.

He got his start in NorCo as a Deputy Sheriff, where he participated on the Emergency Response Team, was a Firearms and Chemical Aerosol Spray Instructor and took part in executing civil judgments and criminal arrests. He then helped to establish the first 911 center in Northampton County, overseeing the consolidation of multiple independent answering points and the conversion from a private to public center. He was ultimatelynamed the EMS Director. Former Exec John Stoffa wanted Bob to serve as Administrator as well..

In 2015, Mateff was appointed by Governor Tom Wolf to oversee Pennsylvania’s transition to Next Generation 911. He is currently working as a public safety consultant.

“I have spent my career ensuring the public has equal access to emergency services and providing for the safety of the residents of this community,” said Mateff. “I see service as a District Judge as a continuation of ensuring the public’s safety.”

Mateff has served as Chairman of the Northeast Pennsylvania Counterterrorism Taskforce and President of the Keystone Emergency Management Association. He is a Certified Emergency Manager through the International Association of Emergency Managers, is an Emergency Number Professional through the National Emergency Number Association, and holds a certification in Preparedness Leadership through the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health.

Mateff has served the community in various roles, including President of the Hellertown Lower Saucon Little League, and was a youth baseball and basketball coach. He is active with his local church and service groups, including the Boy Scouts, the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, the Knights of Columbus and was a member of the Hellertown Civil Service Commission. He was a volunteer with the Leithsville Fire Company, and was a Captain of the Dewey Fire Company Ambulance Squad.

“I would like the opportunity to restore dignity to this position in Hellertown and Lower Saucon and look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve the public as a district judge,” said Mateff.

Mateff is the father of two boys, Robert, Jr. and Kevin.

Two other candidates have also announced for this seat. One is James Hill, a local attorney and borough council member. The other is David Repyneck, who was defeated when he ran against David Tidd four years ago.

Of the three, Repyneck is a bad candidate who would be a terrible magisterial district judge. I will explain why soon.

Three Candidates Raise $23k in Hellertown Lower Saucon Magisterial Race

Three candidates have raised over $23k in the race for Magisterial District Judge in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Townships.

The incumbent, Judge David Tidd, leads the pack with $11,225.00. Most of this money - $7,360.16 - has come out of his own pocket. He has accepted an in-kind contribution from entrepreneur Abe Atiyeh , who has also given him $1,000 in cash. Tidd's campaign consultant is Tim Butler's Communications Concepts.

In an interview with Saucon Source, judge Tidd discloses that heroin addition is a growing problem in his district, and is sometimes less expensive than marijuana. He has paid close attention to heroin-related offenses, and attempts to craft sentences in such a way as to reduce use and combat addiction.

Amanda Kurecian reported raising $7,062.88, most of it from family and herself. She has paid Campaign Pilots, a new Republican consulting firm, about $2,800. Kurecian has told The Saucon Source she'd like to establish a night court, several nights every month, for Defendants unable to leave work.

David Repyneck has raised $5,045, with his largest donor being his mother. He has spent $4,6767.59 for signs, a post card and ads in Saucon Source and Village Voice. Repyneck has told The Saucon Source that he'll bring "honor, respect and integrity back to Magisterial District 03-2-04. I believe there is a lack of professionalism that exists with the current magistrate."

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.

Saucon News: David Repyneck Joins Hellertown Mini-Judge Race

You can read Josh Popichak's account here.

Magisterial District Judge Tidd Seeking Re-Election

Magisterial District Judge David W Tidd, whose district includes Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township,has already told The Express Times that he's seeking re-election. I bumped into him at last night's Sam Murray for Judge announcement. I promised to leave him alone if he would send me his announcement. True to his word, he did. But I lied.  I will probably bug him down the road. It's what I do. His announcement is below.

I am pleased to announce my candidacy for re-election as Magisterial District Judge for District 03-2-04 covering Hellertown and Lower Saucon. For the past 5 years since my election in 2009, it has been my honor and privilege to faithfully and expertly serve the citizens of our community.

The choice of Magisterial District Judge is an important one with significant impact on all of us. Not only is the District Court where traffic and landlord-tenant cases are heard, but where bail is set and preliminary hearings held in serious criminal matters such as theft and homicide.

As current Magisterial District Judge and licensed attorney in practice for 15 years, my extensive legal experience in civil and criminal matters, integrity and desire to ensure fair and impartial resolutions make me uniquely qualified to continue as your Magisterial District Judge. These same qualifications make the difference between criminals being punished and being released back into our community.

I desire to continue as District Judge to maintain the reputation of my Court for decisions grounded in sound legal reasoning and for providing outstanding service outside the courtroom through knowledgeable, well-trained staff. The Court is also known for bringing a balance to the just aims of law enforcement and the individual rights of defendants as required by our State and Federal Constitutions. Additionally, I have, with the help of of my staff and officials of Northampton County Court Administration, brought my Court in compliance with standards set by the State of Pennsylvania. In its most recent audit, the State recognized my Court's fiscal accuracy and adherence to proper procedure; I desire to see this compliance continue long into the future.

These past 5 years have seen great change for my wife Vera and I with the birth of our two children, Caroline, now 4, and John William, 23 months. One thing that will not change is my dedication to the people of the Saucon Valley through my service to them as their Magisterial District Judge.​

AOL Patch Invades Hellertown

Earlier this week, I told you that AOL Patch is underway here in the Lehigh Valley, making its debut in Emmaus. Now Hellertown has joined the party.

Editor Josh Popichak (read about him here) has sent out this greeting:

"Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch is a 24/7, hyperlocal news and information website offering exclusive coverage of the Saucon Valley. We hope to become your most trusted source for information about news, events, sports, arts and business in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township.

"Please feel free to email me feedback, questions, story ideas...and whatever else you're inspired to share.

"If you have announcements or upcoming events you'd like us to post, please email them to Hellertown Patch's wonderful calendar editor, Shelley Goldberg, at sgold1111@gmail.com."

"We're looking forward to serving you and providing you with the best in local coverage in the months and years ahead. Please check us out!"

I've been told Patch will hit the Internet news stands in Bethlehem and Easton next week.

Hellertown Eyes 6.25% Tax Hike

"When I see you're looking at raising taxes 6.25% in the worst economy that we've seen since the Great Depression, ... my concern is this. We need to take a look at cutting expenses because the expenses are going to continue to rise."

This admonition, which comes from self-described tea party member Bryan Eichfeld, was delivered to Hellertown Borough Council at their November 1 meeting. Hellertown has only collected $370,580 of the $500,000 in revenues anticipated this year.

"When we're raising a mill just to pay salaries, that scares me, it really does," stated Council member Stephanie Kovacs, who spent the evening questioning line item after line item in an unsuccessful effort to reduce expenses.

Richard Staffieri, who has served on Council for over forty years, condemned paying "salaries that are outrageous when the people that are paying the salaries aren't working." But he added, "I agree with 51% of this budget, so I'll vote for this budget."

With Council members Kovacs and Thomas Rieger voting No, the other members agreed to a Staffieri motion to advertise the budget as a preliminary step towards adoption. Council President Philip Weber advised that, though advertised, the budget can still be modified until December 6, the date set for adoption. The budget is available at Borough Hall for public review until November 29.

In addition to agreeing to advertise a budget calling for a possible 6.25% tax hike, Council members listened to a report from their engineer. Hellertown's busy Main Street is sometimes referred to as a "Berlin Wall," separating the western and eastern parts of the borough. Borough Engineer Bryan Smith has attempted to tear down that wall, unveilig the results of a $90,500, nine-month "walkable community smart transportation study."

Among 28 recommendations to make Hellertown more walker friendly, Smith proposes installing two additional traffic lights on Main Street, and reducing its speed limit to 25 mph. He also urged that Borough Council make some changes to the intersection of Main Street and Easton Avenue, and advised that the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission has up to $500,000 available. Council gave Smith a green light to apply for some of this grant money, with Council member Stephanie Kovacs opposed.

Public Works Director Tom Henshaw also reported that Santa Claus will be visiting Hellertown at 7 PM, November 26, to celebrate "Light Up Night" at the Fountain Plaza.

Prostitution Rate Doubles in Hellertown?

There previously was one, and now, there may be two.

Hey, that's what Stephanie Kovacs claims, and she should know. She lives there. She blames the Casino, and as Hellertown's voice on the gaming authority, is doing what she can to steer money there.

Hookers apparently scrawl their phone numbers on men's room walls at the casino. I tried to check that claim last night, but too many U.S. Senators were hitting on me.

In Hellertown's Crowded Magisterial Race, Is Hill Over the Hill?

Nine candidates are duking it out for the magisterial seat currently held by Diane Repyneck in Hellertown and Lower Saucon. Candidates include Dano Guerrieri, Stephanie A. Hoppes-Kovacs, Herb C. Payung, Kristin M. Seyfried, David Tidd, Donna Zawick-Long, Carol Ortwein, Tony Branco and James W. Hill.

Yes, former Northampton County Council member Tony Branco, who actually lied about using campaign consultant campaign consultant Scissorhands Severson during his county council bid, thinks he has what it takes to be a mini-judge. According to a sexual discrimination lawsuit he filed against Douglass Township, which fired him as their manager, he suffers from "anxiety" and "heart disease." What's really sad is that he has a serious shot at winning, too.

But this post is actually about one of Tony's rivals, James W. Hill. He just changed his voter registration from Springtown in Bucks County to Northampton County on February 9th. Anyone who wants to be a district judge must live in the district for an entire year preceding his election. Hill tells election officials that he will have lived in Hellertown for a year, and just got around to changing his registration in February. So if Hellertown is really his residence, where did he vote in November's election?

The Hellertown property Hill lists as his residence is actually a rental property owned by Winfield and Lona E Hill, who themselves live in Bucks County. Hill has been practicing law in Springtown, Bucks County, for the past eight years.

Will one of Hill's opponents challenge his residency? Stay tuned.