Devil Incarnate Disrupts Child Abuse Awareness Rally

There was an important child abuse awareness rally outside the Northampton County Courthouse on Friday afternoon. But it received little attention. Though the message itself is important, and chief messenger Charlies Stecker, Jr is very impressive, most of the small group who joined him consisted of people who have themselves lost siblings and children and are lashing out at everyone instead of dealing with their own issues.

Charlie's message 

Let me tell you about Charlie's message first.

He was just a four year-old toddler when his two year-old brother Eddie died in his arms. His foster mother, upset at a crying baby, let him have it with a toy bowling pin, knocking him out of the crib and onto the floor. As blood oozed out of Eddie's ears and nose, Charles held him until an ambulance arrived. But it was too late.

Shegda hides benind "Gestapo" sign

Ironically, Charles and his siblings had been taken from his biological parents over allegations of abuse. But they went from the frying pan and into the fire. To this day, Stecker is still unable to extend his arm as a result of the abuse that he received from his foster mother.

She never went to trial for Eddie's murder. She apparently died in a mental institution.

But Stecker, who calls himself God's bondservant on his Facebook page, has lots of unanswered questions. How did this mentally unstable woman end up as a foster parent? What happens to abused and neglected kids now? Stecker became a child advocate in Philadelphia, or as he refers to himself, a children's rights warrior. He founded The International Child Abuse Prevention Task Force.Yesterday's rally was supposed to be one of 400 worldwide, though I don't know if it actually happened anywhere else.

Charlie's messengers

I caught Shegda anyway

I saw this group waving their signs while waiting for a news conference later that day. I decided to find out what was happening, but was nearly assaulted by Ron Shegda. It would have happened, too, except that Charlie Stecker interposed himself between Shegda and me.

"It's the Devil Incarnate!" screamed Shegda when he saw me. I admit, I was dressed in red.

Who the Hell is Ron Shegda?

I first wrote about him in 2006, when he hadn't quite made up his mind whether he was running for the U.S.Senate or State Representative Bob Freeman's seat. He ended up going after Bob Freeman's seat three times, losing worse each time. The last time he ran things got so wacky that even the tea party excommunicated him.

Shegda wants Devil
Incarnate arrested

Shegda has a mentally challenged adult sister. She was taken from him, and nobody but human services, the Hellertown police and Shegda know how that happened. He has lashed out at everyone in Northampton County, from caseworkers to John Stoffa. He also befriended other local whack jobs, including the Blog mentor and Tricia Mezzacappa. When you see all the hate comments directed at Stoffa and former Human Services Director Ross Marcus, you know where most of them are coming from.

Naturally, he was a Bobby Gunther Walsh guest on crackpot radio.

Anyhoo, when Shegda saw me, he began screaming that I had no right to take pictures. Never mind that this was a public rally on public property. I recognized several of the people with him, and they have issues themselves. They called for the Sheriff to have me ejected or whatever for taking pictures of their public demonstration.

I have no doubt that Charlie Stecker means well. But he should be more careful about who he attracts to his banner. Instead of hearing the voiceless children, divisive people like Shegda make people run away.

Bob Freeman v. Ron Shegda Next Wednesday

Freeman-Shegda Debate

Ron Shegda's "Micro-Business" : Pa. Unemploymnet

I feel like I'm beating a dead horse whenever I write about state house candidate Ron Shegda, aka Jesus in Disguise. According to his campaign site, he's a "micro-business owner." Well, you must need a magnifying glass to see that business. His ethics statement reveals his main source of income is Pennsylvania unemployment.

Ron Shegda, Jesus in Disguise

Yesterday, I told you that Hellertown wing nut Ron Shegda has finally been kicked out of the LV Tea Party. At their September 10 meeting, he was caught handing out copies of his latest CD, entitled "Ron Shegda for PA State Rep 136th." It even includes some of his biggest hits, like "Two Minutes of Wisdom with Ron Shegda" and "This Ron's for You!" He continued passing out CDs and political flyers after being asked to stop.

But Ron has an explanation. He's Jesus in disguise. I guess he can probably go back in time and erase this unhappy event and, while he's at it, this blog. Here's his rambling explanation, which strangely makes perfect sense to me.

"Friends, This is both harsh and anonymous. Accusers should not stand behind a French Revolution-style "Organizing Committee." Believe it or not, I am a sentient soul and recognize the writer! Very doctrinaire!!

"You expel one of Your own, present from Day 1. I have likely brought in more Members to LVTea than anyone. My name is Jesus in disguise!

"I have not 'continually ignored' warnings. No one has been more respectful. Except . . . I relied on inter-personal affections, and wanted to share, while asking with eye contact, privately, interpersonally, our new CD, when I had to go.

"The plan was enjoyment not ugliness. Jesus knew that on the cross.

"Does LVTea forego interpersonal affections? Moses faced the same problem with his Right Arm, Joshua. Joshua was 'The Rules Man.'

"Do You condemn me for my right to hand out Flyers OUTSIDE the building? I privately asked Julian [Stolz] [no relation to Joshua or Moses] if he could do the same with the remaining Flyers after the meeting. I had to go and my Disabled Sister was sick and hungry at home. Yes, a Down Lady has supported the Tea Movement more than You know! She was on the phone with me when I saw the Flyers on a table inside which I previously gave Julian discreetly. But my Sister was crying and I kept walking. I should have picked them up. Shame on me!

"3 Traits of a Christian (from my forthcoming book):
1) Always in trouble.
2) Never afraid.
3) Wildly happy.

"Community Yes! Government Less. RonS
Candidate, PA House of Representatives"

So the local Tea Party has just dumped a Christian who's even writing a book about it. Shegda, using his disabled sister as a prop, claims that she had called him from home, crying and hungry. No cookies. Funny thing. I saw her at that meeting, so I don't know how the hell she could have been at home. But I forgot. Ron Shegda is Jesus in disguise.

Ron Shegda Excommunicated by LV Tea Party

State House candidate Ron Shegda, who is challenging incumbent Bob Freeman, has been booted out of the LV Tea Party for using non-profit meetings to promote his campaign.
Ron Shegda

For Ron Shegda, It's Hammer Time

Can't touch this.

Did you know state house candidate Ron Shegda collaborates with MC Hammer? That's right, bippy, and that's just one of the things I learned Friday night at a LV Tea Party meeting. Let me tell you the story.

Now I've been to a few LV Tea Party meetings, after which I've criticized their unelected leaders for playing politics while masquerading as a nonprofit. Well, they're finally getting around to electing those leaders. What's more, they must be serious about retaining their nonprofit status. They ejected state house candidate Ron Shegda, who tried to use the meeting as a platform for his campaign against State Rep. Bob Freeman.

Hammer Time.

Shegda has been playing this game with non-profits for some time. In mid-August, his supporters linked Notre Dame High School's web page to a webcast containing four signs endorsing his state house race. And during Musikfest, he conned the LV Tea Party into funding another political webcast. As Shegda drones on from "Tea Party Platz", some kid in a remote video occasionally stops his dumb bell workout to give a thumbs up signs at two Shegda campaign signs.

On Friday night, when I arrived, Shegda's sister was in the back looking for cookies. Unfortunately for her, the only thing back there were miniature "Don't tread on me" flags, and she couldn't eat them. Shegda was back there, too. I had no idea, but he's something of a rock star. He was handing out his latest CD, entitled "Ron Shegda for PA State Rep 136th." It includes cuts of these big hits:

"The Two Things Show Intro," performed by Ron Shegda & MC Hammer.

"Pennsylvania Political Polka Medley," performed by Jolly Joe Timmer and Ron Shegda;

"Puff the Magic Mayor," lyrics by Ron Shegda; and my favorite,

"Two Minutes of Wisdom," by Ron Shegda.

Unfortunately, Shegda needed three minutes of wisdom. The Tea Party had asked him to stop campaigning, but he continued. He even started passing out flyers for a Republican rally on Sunday at Easton Circle. Eventually, he was asked to leave.

Tea Party: "I told you, homeboy, you can't touch this."

Shegda: "Now why would I ever stop doing this?
With others making records that just don't hit
I've toured around the world, from London to the Bay
It's 'Shegda, go Shegda, MC Shegda, yo, Shegda'
And the rest can go and play."

Out he danced.

Freeman v. Shegda, or Wonk v. Wingnut

On Friday, I spent my lunch hour listening to wonks discuss the perilous state of our municipal finance during a well-attended RenewLV brown bag session in downtown Easton. I actually had been looking forward to it, a sure indication of just how boring I've become. I'll have a separate post on that little adventure soon, but my focus right now is on one of the wonks who attended and participated heavily in that mini-seminar. He even brought a brown bag! He's Bob Freeman, a state representative seeking re-election to the state house. His opponent, for the third time in a row, is Northampton County Oddball Ron Shegda. Some might portray this as a battle between elitist liberalism and populist conservatism, but the reality is that this is a confrontation between a man of integrity who does his homework, and another who has an increasingly unhealthy obsession with getting elected to something.

It's wonk v. wingnut. The battleground is the 136th Legislative District: (City of Easton; Boroughs of Freemansburg, Glendon, Hellertown, West Easton and Wilson; Townships of Bethlehem wards 3, 4 (district 1), Lower Saucon (Hellertown, Leithsville, Lower Saucon, Shimersville and Wassergass districts), Williams).

Republican: Ron Shegda
Webpage located here.
His YouTube channel indicates he really likes Lou Rawls' "You'll never find another love like mine."

Campaign Finance: Two online reports indicate that philanthropists Roland & Doris Sigal are Shegda's biggest contributors, having kicked in $7,800 so far this year. In return, Shegda carts Sigal to ball games. LV Conservative Voice PAC, which snubbed LV Congressman Charlie Dent at a pre-primary candidates' forum, actually gave him $300. The only other candidate who got anything from them is payjacker Sam Rohrer.

Shegda is blatantly using the supposedly "nonpolitical" LV Tea Party to fund his local radio program ("They're paying for this microphone because people in the tea party movement care about this nation."), In a recent broadcast from "Tea Party Platz," the local tea party pays for video that features two "Ron Shegda for State Representative" signs. As Shegda drones on, some kid in the video does a dumb bell workout while occasionally giving thumbs up signals at Shegda's campaign signs.

In addition to the LV Tea Party, nonprofit Notre Dame High School briefly linked to his radio show until this blog called attention to the politics.

Shegda annoyed the hell out of Bobby Gunther Walsh on WAEB Radio when this perpetual candidate said he's running to "serve people with the abilities God gave me."

He is against polygamy.

Democrat: Bob Freeman (incumbent)
Webpage located here.

Campaign Finance: Two online reports reveal his campaign treasury has $33,000, but he's only raised $750 over the first two election cycles.

Bob chairs the state house local government committee, where he shepherded the Elm Street Bill through the state legislature. That program helps revitalize older residential neighborhoods. He is currently working on legislation that will provide grant money for municipalities who struggle with revenue lost to tax exempt properties.

The Cookie Monster

A few weeks ago, I caught all kinds of hell when I wrote about a Norco GOP picnic. In a moment of weakness, the Northampton County Bulldog had invited me, a duly elected Democratic committeeman, to watch Republicans eat pork. Naturally, I made fun of everyone. It's what I do.

What really got me in trouble was a comment about Ron Shegda, who is trying to set a record for most number of races run without actually winning anything. I wrote this: "Ron Shegda (running against Bob Freeman) spoke about gas while his sister kept filling plates with cookies and cupcakes and taking them out to their car. I'll bet they had one hell of a bake sale."

People were outraged. How dare I take such a "cheap shot against an obviously disabled woman. You're a real class act, OHare."

My response? "I try. Her brother is obviously disabled, too."

This little exchange was plastered on bulletin boards all over Courthouse. Perhaps that would chasten and embarrass me. Right?

Wrong! I'm here to tell you that the cookie monster has struck again.

Yesterday, Shegda's sister was at Charlie Roberts' viewing. There was one hell of a spread at the luncheon. I was gone by then, but Ron Angle tells me there were mountains of the most delicious-looking cookies he's ever seen. And there was Shegda's sister, scarfing them all up, loading them into her purse, pockets and napkins, then running out to the car. At one point, Angle told her the kitchen probably had aluminum foil, and she ran in for some of that, too.

Shegda actually had to pop open his trunk so they could load up all the goodies. And off they went.

If you go to a Ron Shegda campaign event, you should probably pass on the cookies.

One Wingnut Down, One to Go, in 136th State House Race

According to an updated listing of nomination challenges in Pennsylvania, womens' rights advocate Heidi Markow is no longer a candidate for the 136th state house seat held by Bob Freeman. She's the victim of a Court Order removing her from the ballot, probably signed by a man.

That leaves Ron Shegda as the only Republican running. Here's his campaign theme song. How can he lose with a jingle like that?

The Battle of the Wingnuts in the 136th

On April 1, when the LV Conservative Voice Pac next meets to conduct human sacrifices and howl at the moon, perennial candidate and wingnut Ron Shegda has already volunteered "to tell the audience why this is called 'April Fools' Day.'"

No need, Ron, no need.

For those of you on Planet Earth, Ron Shegda is the sacrificial lamb usually sent by the GOP to go up against popular Pennsylvania state representative Bob Freeman in the 136th (Hellertown, Williams, Easton). Trounced in his last two efforts, he does entertain.

Back in 2006, when Shegda first appeared in cyberspace, his website proclaimed "Ron Shegda for Public Office." His ambition was to run for the U.S. Senate now, this year, because he's as wise as a serpent.

"Yet we are wise as serpents and gentle as doves. We will use the power of a Senate seat to defend our nation. Observe the Great Seal of the United States on the back of every dollar bill. The eagle clutches both arrows and olive branch; but it gazes at the olive branch. Will you join this campaign?"

As you've probably surmised, not many did, so now he just runs against Freeman every two years. On the bright side, he's got the support of right wing kooks like Berks County-based state representative (and Governor candidate) Sam Rohrer, a graduate of Bob Jones University. Rohrer actually sends letters instructing judges that Pennsylvania's Vehicle Code only applies to commercial vehicles.

He entertains, too.

Unfortunately for Ron, Domestic Violence Advocate Heidi Markow is running, too. At this time a year ago, she was busily sending me emails about several women who would very soon be killed by their husbands. When that failed to happen, she lashed out at a Northampton County Judge and DA who refused to follow her advice. Then, surrounded by cardboard silhouettes of domestic violence victims and whirring cameras, she called a news conference to request Governor Rendell and the Attorney General to take over a domestic abuse case because she opposed the plea agreement.

Amazingly, when the DA went ahead with that plea agreement anyway, she responded, "We're getting somewhere."

She entertains, too.

Well, Shegda has challenged Markow's nomination petition. She probably thinks it's because she's a woman. They'll duke it out this morning in Commonwealth Court.

Ron Shegda: He's Baack!

Life's not fair. Pennsylvania state representative Bob Freeman will be facing Hellertown wingnut Ron Shegda for the third time in the battle for the 136th legislative district. In his first effort, a write-in campaign, Shegda was beaten 50 to 1. He vows to keep trying until that margin is down to 10 to 1.

Here's one of Shegda's "position statements."

"I live in a small town in Pennsylvania. Maybe you live in a small township or city. I love Hellertown. My Special Sister calls it 'Lady Jane’s Town.' One of my daily goals is reading my Bible. I think I am close to accomplishing that goal because my main Bible is falling apart. As a fisherman, I’m a cousin to gun owners and support our 2nd Amendment 100%. I’ve learned to hold my fishing rod tight while reeling in a flounder or blue. If you want a national perspective on your humble Candidate, I’m from a small town in Pennsylvania, and I cling to my Bible because I love God and neighbor and I cling to my fishing rod because I want my catch."

There you have it. I'm guessing 60 to 1.

Shegda: This Ron is NOT For You!

Like most extremists, whether they're on the right or the left, state rep. wannabe Ron Shegda bristles at the slightest criticism. He instead surrounds himself with religious wingnuts who bring holy cards to debates. One of them damn near assaulted popular incumbent Bob Freeman over, of all things, diabetes.

I had no idea that was such a hot button issue.

Neither, apparently, do most voters. When Shegda waged a write-in campaign against Freeman two years ago, Freeman beat him 50 to 1.

This time around, Shegda's name is actually on the ballot, so Freeman's margin of victory will probably only be 40 to 1. You see, Shegda aligns himself with right wing kooks like Berks County-based state representative Sam Rohrer, a graduate of Bob Jones University. Rohrer actually sends letters instructing judges that Pennsylvania's Vehicle Code only applies to commercial vehicles. According to Rohrer, our use of an automobile is simple an extension of our liberty to move about as we wish. That's Posse Comitatus and sovereign citizen talk, baby.

Cuckoo!

Shegda also believes young people need no health insurance because they are "invincible."

Cuckoo!

As if his own extremist temperament were not enough, Shegda regularly lashes out at those who contradict him. For example, when The Express Times recently decided to endorse Freeman, Shegda slammed editor Tony Rhodin, who happens to live in that district. "Tony Rhodin, The Out of Touch Leftist, is the E-T spokesman. You would think working for Avis and Gimbels, he'd be more interested in being #1. Tony, I will debate You anytime!"

Two years ago, Shegda threatened me with libel. I'm still waiting for that suit.

But after my story about his sad performance against Bob Freeman in the Grave Cellar debate, Shegda was kind enough to copy me in a letter to one of his three or four supporters.

"You must realize
Bernie O'Hare
Is a crank short
In America's
Ongoing Revolution."

I like that. He's got that ad hominem down pretty well, but not much else.

Contrary to what he tells you, this Ron is NOT for you.

Bob Freeman & Ron Shegda in Grave Cellar Debate

Last night's public tête-à-tête between Pennsylvania state representative Bob Freeman and challenger Ron Shegda had all the makings of a sleepfest. For one thing, it was conducted in a frickin' "grave cellar" at some Easton church. I half-expected to be sitting with a bunch of dead bodies. Aside from a few borough mayors, the grave cellar was filled with seventy very live bodies and decaffienated coffee, as we all waited for the showdown. By evening's end, Bob Freeman was very nearly assaulted, people were screaming and a church sexton was ready to knock someone out. My kind of debate!

That was a shocker in a debate run by the LV League of Women Voters and AAUW, which ask questions like "How about those energy rates?" They do allow the audience to submit questions on index cards, but we were told that "All card questions must be respectful and written with dignity." How the hell do I write with dignity? Do I put on a suit?

For years, I've submitted question after question to the LWV. They've always ended up in the trash. Maybe tonight would be my lucky night. In my best handwriting, I penned a question asking why county human services are being shortchanged by the state.

Once the debate started, Freeman exuded a quiet confidence about state issues. revealing himnself as a very careful and detail-oriented thinker. At times he was eloquent, quoting Humphrey and FDR. Yes, his thinking his liberal, but what impresses me about Freeman isd the same quality I find most impressive in Congressman Charlie Dent. Both of these public servants take their jobs seriously, work very hard, understand the issues and have thoughtful responses. They understand that they work for us, and not the other way around.

Shegda, who did appear to be more relaxed and friendly than I expected, was in way over his head. For a guy who has been running for this job for the last two years, he was pitifully unprepared. He seems to think elimination of property taxes is the answer to every question. His idea of alternative energy is digging for coal. At his low point, Shegda actually claimed young people are "invincible" and need no health insurance. That elicited a few boos. When asked whether county seats are entited to some kind of tax relief because of the large number of tax exempt properties, the challenger simply did not understand the question. In contrast, Freeman has introduced legislation to provide some relief to places like Easton, where 27% of the property is tax exempt.

When audience questions were posed at the end of the debate, one Shegda supporter got very upset and insisted on reading his own question. He wanted to know why Freeman never answered a letter written over six years ago. It was a question about diabetes.

"Gee, my office is pretty good about answering mail," is all Freeman got out before this dude got really upset and started screaming, getting closer and closer to Freeman, accusing him of medical fraud. People tried to quiet the guy down, but he got more upset, claiming that Freeman is a "smooth talker like Obama" and a "son of a bitch."

He was so loud that the church sexton came flying down from his apartment, where he was praying or reading the Bible or something. He walked the guy off the property and told me later he had been ready to drop him.

Praise the Lord!

My question was scheduled right after the one this idiot posed, but how can I top that? I told them all we should be watching the Phillies and ran out of the "grave cellar."

Bob Freeman and Ron Shegda Tangle on Thursday

LV Ramblings readers selected Pennsylvania state representative Bob Freeman last year as the Lehigh Valley's top elected official. That means nothing to Hellertown oddball Ron Shegda, who wants the job for himself . . . again.

Two years ago, Shegda waged a losing write-in campaign for Freeman's 136th state house seat, which extends from Easton to Hellertown. At that time, Shegda was also soliciting contributions for the U.S. Senate in 2010, and claimed to be as "wise as serpents and gentle as doves."

I see enough snakes on Northampton County Council, and I sure as hell would never send one of them to Harrisburg.

A few weeks ago, Shegda and his posse tried to evict AJ and me from our seats at a Bennett-Dent debate in Allentown. We refused to move. He also recently lambasted Express Times editor Tony Rhodin in a goofy email, which you can read here.

He reads like he needs a rest at Happydale.

On Thursday night, Shegda will cross swords with Freeman at a candidates' night sponsored by the LWV and AAUW.

When: Thursday, October 23, 2008, 7 to 9 PM

Where: St. John's Lutheran Church, 330 Ferry Street, Easton, PA 18042.

Northampton County's Other Democratic Party

There is only one thing more screwed up than the Northampton County Democratic machine - Northampton County Republicans. The local party reorganized last night at the county courthouse, but I don't know who was named chair and vice chair. I do know Dapper Dan the Clown will be at a Ron Shegda fundraiser on Saturday. No charge!

Professional courtesy.

God Denies Endorsing Shegda

LVR readers last year named state representative Bob Freeman(136th) the Lehigh Valley's top elected official. We must have jinxed him, because he's one of only a few state house members with an opponent.

Shegda's last campaign against Freeman was a complete joke. Ron's campaign strategy? Wait until both primaries are over as well as the deadline for filing as an independent or third party candidate. Then suddenly announce he's squaring off against a popular and effective incumbent.

This brilliant tactic resulted in a real nailbiter on election night. Shegda drew 250 ballots while Freeman earned 12,735 votes. Freeman had just fifty times as many votes.

All Shegda could do was threaten me with libel.

This time around, he's taking no chances. He's actually organizing a campaign and is trying hard to raise money. For $50, you can have an early dinner with him at Easton's YR club. For another $35, you can go on a picnic with Shegda and Dapper Dan the Clown (is this Onorato?). You can even catch an Iron Pigs ball game with him. And get this cool campaign slogan - "This Ron's for you," as though Shegda is a can of Budweiser or something.

Does this mean that the other conservative Ron (The Evil Ron Angle) is not for you? And how about Ron Paul?

Shegda has a fancy new web page in which he's quick to tell us he graduated third from his high school class. Who the hell remembers things like that? Seriously. He also tells us he's real active in Hellertown and opposes smut and everything, but talks just a tad too much about rear dwelling ordinances.

Oh yeah, Shegda claims God's on his team, too. In his opening announcement, Shegda mentions God at least a gazillion times. But God denies having anything to do with the campaign. I called Him last night, and all He would say is "I'm sick and tired of these assholes claiming I'm for them. Hasn't anyone heard I get really pissed when someone takes My name in vain? What do I have to do, send a fourth flood your way? Leave Me out of this bullshit! I want to watch Jeopardy. ... But I might go to that ball game."