This is a petition for Muha to resign as City Commissior of Hermitage PA over his comments as reported by the Sharon Herald on 3/23/2022

HERMITAGE — A pair of Facebook posts resulted in a verbal exchange last week during a meeting of the Hermitage board of commissioners.

During the commissioners’ work session Thursday evening, several members of the public attended, some carrying photos of Matthew Perna, who took his own life Feb. 25.

Perna pleaded guilty in December to felony obstruction of Congress and three misdemeanor charges related to his entry into the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.

When the floor was opened to public comments, Ron Perna, who identified himself as the uncle of Matthew Perna, stood and asked if Commissioner Michael Muha recognized the photo of Matthew, which Muha said he did.

Ron described how, after federal authorities charged Matthew, he was harassed and bullied.

Ron said how, when Matthew was first charged, Muha posted on Facebook to share a story published in The Herald about Perna. Muha’s post included a caption, “play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Bye.”

Ron Perna said Muha’s post on social media made him one of the “bullies” who drove Matthew to take his life.

Ron then said Muha made a Facebook post several days before the work session, where Muha said someone called him and threatened to ruin his life in response to that initial post.

When Ron said that all of these posts were still on Muha’s Facebook page and that they were inappropriate, Muha said he was “very much proud” they were still up and Matthew deserved criticism for his actions on Jan. 6, although Muha said he was saddened by Matthew’s death.

Later, Ron referenced Muha’s Linkedin profile, which lists Muha as a mental health hearing master for the Mercer County Court of Common Pleas, as well as a public speaker who talks to schoolchildren about the effects of bullying, since Muha said he has been a victim of bullying.

Ron said Muha should resign as a city commissioner and not speak to kids about bullying. Muha said he wasn’t saying anything further because Thursday evening’s work session was a “city meeting for city business.”

After he was finished addressing the board, Perna and the others immediately left.

For those in need of assistance, local resources include:

• Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission crisis hotline: 724-662-2227.

• Mercer County Community Counseling Center “Warmline”: 724-981-1174.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-272-8255. Dial “1” for veterans.

• For the Crisis Text Line, text “SIGNS” to 741741.

Like David L. Dye on Facebook or email him at [email protected].

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