UPDATED: Three Candidates Running for Wind Gap Magisterial Seat

Magisterial district judges, sometimes called the peoples' courts, are the frontline of our state's justice system. They handle the lion's share of cases, from neighborhood squabbles to landlord and tenant disputes to parking tickets. A magisterial district judge must be 21 and a state resident who has lived in the magisterial district for at least one year before assuming office. Terms last for six years, and nothing prevents other employment, though that is becoming less common. A minor court jurist can an attorney, but can be a nonlawyer as well, so long as he he can complete the training to be certified by the Administrative Office of Pa. Courts. Salary is $113,713 and is tied to the cost-of-living index, so it goes up each year. This year there is one open magisterial district in Northampton County, and three people are in the hunt. The three candidates running are Ellen Kingsley, an assistant District Attorney; Rob Kemmerer, former Director of Northampton County's Pretrial Services Department (he actually resigned that position to run); and Matt Flower, This district covers Bath, Chapman, Stockertown, Wind Gap, Bushkill Township, Moore Township - Phillips and Eastern Districts and Plainfield Township - Plainfield Church District. The purpose of this post is to describe the three candidates and where they are getting their money. 

Ellen Kingsley. - A 1999 graduate of Widener School of Law, she has primarily practiced family law. She is also an Assistant District Attorney, where she serves as Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit. District Attorney Steve Baratta told County Council last week, "If she is fortunate enough to win, it will be a big loss [to his office]." 

Here's her campaign as she summarizes it herself:

"In order to serve as Magisterial District Judge, you either need to be an attorney and member of the bar of the PA Supreme Court or be "certified" by the Minor Judiciary Education Board. To get certified candidates who aren't lawyers need to attend a 4-week course in Harrisburg. It is not required of attorneys since they have a law degree and, usually, experience. My three-year law degree, 26 years of experience in both civil and criminal law, including litigation in front of MDJs, and in ruling on and handling appeals from the Magisterial Districts make me the most qualified candidate."

Her nomination petition was challenged in court by Flower but he lost. Those two then engaged in an online battle in which neither looks particularly judicial. 

Her campaign finance records reveal that she is largely self-funded. Aside from a $2,500 contribution from Jake Olsson, an employee of ScrbeAmerica, most of the money in her $3,525 Pre-Primary Finance report and 24-hour reporting comes from herself. She appears to have spent $3,286.37 on her campaign. 

Matt Flower - On his campaign page, he states he holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and is currently employed by UPS, where he also serves as a Teamsters' union steward. He vows he would approach "each case with impartiality, integrity, and a focus on upholding the rights of all parties involved." On his campaign literature, he claims to have the "full endorsement" of the Republican party. He was endorsed by the county executive committee, not the entire party. Slate Belt Republicans tell me they make no endorsements in contested primaries. 

Flower has a checkered past  with a string of arrests in multiple counties going back to 2002. Everything from harassment to driving without a license. He's also been involved as Plaintiff or Defendant in numerous Protection from Abuse Act matters. He also admits to "peacefully demonstrating" at the capitol insurrection on January 6, when domestic terrorists or freedom-lovers (take your pick)  ransacked the halls of Congress. He denies participating in any violence. and claims he's been "cleared" by the FBI. "I am not afraid of arrest, prison or rogue judges," he adds.

During one 2014 incident in which he allegedly tackled and strangled

Flower in blue shade

his then wife, she was pregnant. A Facebook page, No Way to Matthew L Flower, contains what purports to be text exchanges between Flower and his then wife that are pretty disgusting. He did pay a price for them in court and even he acknowledges his statements were "inappropriate." 

A sample is on the left. 

A judge has to keep his cool. He didn't. 

As a constable candidate, he pledged to refuse to enforce PFA orders. 

More recently, he was caught up in a Republican county committee kerfuffle after members discovered that his current wife was posting videos of their sexual trysts online for profit. 

Campaign finance records show that he has received $3,125, including a $1.225 loan to himself. 

Rob Kemmerer. - A graduate of East Stroudsburg University, Kemmerer has worked as a NorCo probation officer and was Director of its Pretrial Services Division. He resigned to run for this open seat. His department is responsible for making bail recommendations to magisterial district judges when a defendant is preliminarily arraigned. He is highly regarded by both the bench and bar. A prominent criminal defense lawyer told me Friday that Kemmerer could be called day and night for help in setting bail. 

He's been endorsed by the Northampton County Republican Women’s Committee, former State Representative Marcia Hahn, and former Northampton County Council President Peg Ferraro.

Campaign finance records show that he chose to self-fund his campaign instead of forming a committee and seeking contributions. He has spent $11,800.04 for the usual campaign expenses, including a consult.  

UPDATED 5/19/25, 12:30 am Originally published 5/17/25, 6:08 pm

Angry Magistrate Imposes Court Costs on Man Who Beat Parking Ticket

Most of you need no law degree to know that it is fundamentally unfair for a judge to punish someone for winning a case. Yet that's exactly what happened on Wednesday in the mini star chamber of mini Judge Roy A. "the Martinet" Manwaring II.  He did so in a case involving, of all things, a parking ticket. At Northern Southern Ohio Law School, or wherever the hell he went, he apparently never learned about the Constitution. Either that or he was asleep.

Now Roy the Martinet is actually a former Ass't District Attorney. He made such a big impression there that I never noticed him. Now he's in his second term on the Judge JV squad, just waiting for an opening. He wears a black robe and everything! Now even if he was watching soaps during law school, as most people from Western-Eastern Southern Ohio Law School are wont to do, you'd think he might have picked up a tidbit or two about the Constitution by now.

Apparently not.

Let me tell you about the big case in front of Magistrate Martinet on Wednesday.

Nazareth residents Ryan and Christine Woodmansee visited Bethlehem for a night of shopping and dinner, but the meter was not accepting credit cards and they had no loose change. They took pictures to show that the screen was blank when they tried to use their card. When they returned to their car, they had a ticket on their windshield.

They intended to dispute the parking violation, but life happened, as it sometimes does. They did respond to the citation they received in the mail, and scheduled a hearing for Wednesday. Ryan took an afternoon off from work and the entire family came down to the Bethlehem Star Chamber,not to be confused with the Moravian Star..

According to the Woodmansees, Manwaring was rude and condescending to them. That's a pretty big mistake on his part. Christine Woodmansee is a slight figure, but she and her husband are both quite forceful people. They organized the opposition in Nazareth to a jail at Gracedale, and are pretty much the reason former executive John Brown is former Executive John Brown. .

During the hearing, a witness for the Bethlehem Parking Authority acknowledged that there had been a glitch in the system on the day they were cited. Basically, he threw in the towel. But Martinet Manwaring was having none of it. He looked at their photographic evidence skeptically and wanted to know why they didn't use coins.

They had none. That's why Bethlehem has credit card slots on their parking meters, Dumbass.

Excuse me, that should be Magistrate Dumbass. I must be respectful.

Martinet Manwaring II reluctantly found the Woodmansees not guilty, but ordered them to pay the court costs. He reasoned that it's no fault of the taxpayer that Woodmansee failed to respond immediately to the ticket. What's more, he told them they had to pay these costs ($57.25) before leaving his office.

There was a time when judges did order acquitted defendants to pay court costs. By 1966, Pennsylvania was the only state in the country still following this practice. In Giaccio v. Pennsylvania, decided that year, the US Supreme Court ruled that the statute authorizing this sanction on innocent people is unconstitutional.

This sanction violates the most fundamental concept of due process. It punishes a defendant who has been found not guilty of any offense charged.

Was Manwaring, a Republican, punishing the Woodmansees for their opposition to former Executive John Brown, a fellow Republican? Does he exercise a different kind of justice against people who live outside his district? Or is he just an unfair person? He woud do well to remember the words of Governour Morris. "This magistrate is not the king. The people are the king."

This money should be refunded to the Woodmansees immediately, and Martinet Manwaring II should personally return the money along with an apology.

The Ballad of Martinet Manwaring II (with apologies to Gilbert and Sullivan)

When I was a lad I served a term
As office boy to Morganelli's firm.
I cleaned the windows and I swept the floor,
And I polished up the handle of the big front door.
I polished up that handle so carefullee
That now I am the Ruler of the Judge Javees!

As office boy I made such a mark
That they gave me the post of a junior clark.
I served the writs with a smile so bland,
And I copied all the letters in a big round hand —
I copied all the letters in a hand so free,
That now I am the Ruler of the Judge Javees!

Updated 11:15 am: The Woodmansees have asked me to note that their card actually worked the first time. It was when they attempted to refresh their card in the middle of dinner that they got a blank screen and photographed it.

Alicia Zito "Perfect Fit" in Slate Belt

Bangor, PA – Magisterial District Judge Alicia R. Zito has announced her candidacy for the seat of District Court 03-3-03, aka The Slate Belt Districy, serving the residents of Lower Mount Bethel Township; Plainfield Township – Delabole Distrct; Upper Mount Bethel Township; Washintgton Township; Bangor Borough; East Bangor Borough; Pen Argyl Borough; Porland Borough; and Roseto Borough.

She's a perfect fit. For one thing, Judge Zito is a lifelong resident of the Slate Belt. She's a 1995 graduate of Pius X High School. She graduated, magna cum laude, from the University of Scranton in 1999 with a B.S. in Health Administration and minors in Business and Spanish. Judge Zito received her juris doctorate (J.D.) from the Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University in 2002. While in law school, she was a member of the Appellate Moot Court Board and conducted legal externships at the Pennsylvania Department of Health and with the law firm of Nauman, Smith, Shissler and Hall LLP. Judge Zito was admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2002.

In her young life, she's already had an extensive legal career in public service as a judicial law clerk to our best judges. She started with Judge Jack Panella,and when he was elevated to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania in 2004, he took her with him.

Unlike Common Pleas judges, who typically only keep a law clerk for one or two years, federal and appellate judges like to have at least one clerk who is always there. She became is Chief Clerk and and Deputy Clerk of the entire Superior Court of Pennsylvania until 2014. While there, she helped Judge Panella write the nation’s first Sexual Violence Benchbook. That book is designed specifically to guide magisterial district judges in the handling of crimes of sexual violence.

In 2015, Judge Zito accepted a short-term position as a law clerk to President Judge Stephen G. Baratta, Northampton County Court of Common Pleas to assist the Court with backlog. She went from there to a federal clerkship on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania with the Honorable Edward G. Smith.

Zito was nominated by Governor Tom Wolf and confirmed by bipartisan support of the full Senate on July 13, 2016, to finish the term of the late District Judge Todd Strohe.

Northampton County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Stephen G. Baratta  has described her as “intelligent, decisive, principled and calm, all attributes that…serve her well as a a district judge.” State Senator Lisa M. Boscola said that “her legal knowledge, experience and integrity make her an outsanding choice for this position.”

In addition to her judicial experience, Judge Zito has committed herself to the education of young men and women in the community, as an adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice Department at Northampton Community College from 2004 to 2006 teaching courses in Criminal Law, American Legal Systems and Constitutional Law. More notably, as Magisterial District Judge, she works with Administration, parents and students in the Bangor and Pen Argyl School Districts in an effort to reduce truancy rates, provide guidance and, foster the role of education in every child’s life. This truancy problem is bigger than you might think,andit is refreshing to see a judge work to reduce this problem.

Judge Zito lives in Upper Mount Bethel with her husband Matthew J. Goodrich, Esquire and nine-year-old son, Gianni. I met him at a field event at the Stockertown Rod and Gun Club with this old guy who claimed to be his grandfather. That old guy is Senior Judge Leonard Zito.  

Though her Dad is a judge, she's entitled to this position on her own merits. She is highly regarded in the community for her public service to youth organizations. She is a board member of the Slate Belt Little League, member of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Five Points Elementary School and, serves as the Director of Rebels Elite Cheer and Gymnastics. In 2015, she was honored by Eastern Cheer and Dance Association as the “Coach of the Year” and featured in a national magazine for her work as a coach, mentor and role model to young athletes in the community. She is also a lifelong parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Bangor, PA.

Judge Zito is honored to serve her communities as Magisterial District Judge and she looks forward to continuing to serve the Slate Belt with dignity, fairness and respect.

Tidd Suddenly Resigns as Magisterial District Judge

At this time last year, David Tidd was announcing his bid for re-election as Magisterial District Judge in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township. It was a position he had held since 2009, and despite facing two formidable opponents, he emerged as the sole nominee of both parties in the May primary, assuring his election in November. But on Friday, he suddenly resigned his position.

Though most magisterial district judges have no outside employment, this is a part-time job that pays $88,290 per year, and is automatically adjusted by the cost of living index. There's full medical benefits and the pension is vested after ten years. So, absent some illness or legal miscues, it's rare to see a magisterial district judge just step away.

Yet that's exactly what Judge Tidd did. "Refereeing the game is not what I want to do," he said. "I want to be in the game."

Tidd maintains a private law practice in Hellertown, and has been a lawyer for 16 years.

Tidd denies that his resignation is related in any way to ethical complaints filed against him during his re-election campaign.

David Repyneck, one of Tidd's primary opponents, told me during that campaign that "your boy TIdd is currently under investigation for Judicial Misconduct. Did you know that ??????"

When I pressed Repyneck, he was at first evasive, calling it "word on the street." Then it was anonymous sources that he was unable to reveal. He finally acknowledged that he filed one complaint and his wife another.

Repyneck 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 on its face.

A second complaint against Tidd, filed during the primary, 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.

Tidd has never heard a word from the Judicial Conduct Board about either complaint. But Tidd added that what Repyneck "put me through really took a toll."

He also explained that, a judge in a small jurisdiction is going to make people unhappy. And these are people he knows and sees every day. He added that, contrary to what people think, magisterial district judges have two bosses - the County President Judge and the state.

He lamented that, while he received lots of phone calls from police officers and regulars to thank him, he heard nothing from Easton.

Tidd can rescind his decision, but must do so by March 1.

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.

Who is Contributing to Bethlehem Mini-Judge Candidates

Roy Manwaring is running for re-election to his seat as a Magisterial District Judge in Bethlehem. He's being opposed by Bethlehem Attorney Paul Bender.

According to pre-primary reports filed by both candidates, Bender is outspending Manwaring. Bender has raised $8,525 to Manwaring's $1,858.40. Most of Bender's money comes from his own family, although developer Dennis Benner has kicked in $1,000. He spent $1,600 of his treasure on a bash at the Bayou. Manwaring is totally self-funded. His money has gone to purchase yard signs, pens and fund a mailer.

McClure Top Spender in Bethlehem Tp Mini-Judge Race

We'll have to wait until May 19 to see who wins Bethlehem Township's crowded race for mini-judge. Three Assistant DAs and two non-lawyers are after this front-line judicial job. According to expense reports filed with the elections office, Sandy McClure seems to be in the best position to pick up at least the Democratic nomination. She's spent the most money

Her pre-primary report reveals that she raised $10,858.33, of which $10,000 came out of her own pocket. NorCo Council member Ken Kraft, who also is a union agent, kicked in another $600. She has spent $9,558.81 on mailers, signs and robo calls. She also paid Tom Severson, not as a consultant, but for his street lists and mailing labels.

Bill Blake has raised $4,100, most of the money coming from his family and fellow attorneys, as well as a $543 in-kind donation from Nuria DiLuzio for a fundraiser As of the time he filed his report, he had only spent $75, and was keeping his powder dry.

Pat Broscius has spent $1,929 of her own money for yard signs. She also picked up $3,160 in small contributions, and has used that money for handouts cards and stickers.

Bryan Altieri has only received $265 beyond the $2,126.04 he lent to his campaign. Although I have seen signs sprinkled throughout the township bearing his name, he claims to have only spent $163.22..Much of that is for his cellphone.

Andrew Tupone reports having spent $1,197.53 in his quest for mini-judge.

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."

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.

A Letter For Bill Blake

                                                                                                April 23, 2015

                                                                                                Salvatore Tornabene

                                                                                                [redacted]

                                                                                                Easton, PA  18045

Attorney William Blake

[redacted]

Bethlehem Pa  18020

Dear Attorney Blake,

                It is my understanding you are an official ballot candidate for the vacancy of Magisterial District Judge at District Court 03-2-03 in Bethlehem Township.  As a concerned citizen and resident of Bethlehem Township, I am writing on behalf of myself and a number of other Bethlehem Township resident voters to inquire whether you have obtained a Formal Opinion from the Judicial Ethics Committee of the Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges in regard to your eligibility to actually serve as the District Judge in Bethlehem Township if you were to be elected.

                My concern is I am aware that your brother, Sgt. Rick Blake is a high ranking supervising officer in the Bethlehem Township Police Department, and your wife, Assistant District Attorney Kristine Blake is a practicing prosecutor in Northampton County and both of these relationships present a conflict of interest.  Has the Judicial Ethics Committee of the Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges rendered an opinion informing you that you can preside over any and all Bethlehem Township Police Department criminal cases?  It is my understanding that District Court 03-2-03 will only be covering Bethlehem Township Police Department matters starting January 1, 2016.  If the relationship with your brother being a sergeant supervising officer conflicts with your ability to oversee and make judicial decisions in a non-bias manner how will you even be able to preside over any criminal matters that would come before you if elected as District Judge? Additionally, your wife is a member of the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office and is responsible for prosecuting cases that will come before you if elected as District Judge, how is this not another conflict regarding your ability to preside as District Judge? Is there a formal opinion from the Judicial Ethics Committee of the Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges in regard to these conflicts of interest?

                If you have not officially requested a Formal Opinion in regards to your eligibility to actually serve as the District Judge in Bethlehem Township, I ask you do so immediately. These conflicts pose a great concern to me and other voters of Bethlehem Township and the residents of the community where we live. As a judicial candidate, I believe you have an obligation to get a formal opinion. The voters should be asked to consider only those candidates who are free of any conflicts of interest or appearance of conflicts of interest in the primary and general election, to preserve the sanctity of the criminal justice system. 

                                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                                Salvatore Tornabene,

                                                                                                                Concerned Bethlehem Twp. Citizen

Cc: Morning Call, Express Times,

     Bernard OHare

Pat Broscius to Host Fundraiser Next Monday

Magisterial District Judge candidate Pat Broscius is hosting a fundraiser next week at the Palace Restaurant. An Assistant DA, she handles crimes against children.

WHEN: MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2015
TIME: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
WHERE: THE PALACE RESTAURANT
3250 EASTON AVENUE
BETHLEHEM, PA 18020
COST: $25; ADDITIONAL DONATIONS WELCOME
BUFFET STYLE AMERICAN FOOD!
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Other candidates in this race include Assistant DAs Bill Blake and Sandra McClure, along with PSP employee Andrew Tupone and political consultant Bryan Altieri.

Saucon News: David Repyneck Joins Hellertown Mini-Judge Race

You can read Josh Popichak's account here.