Politics

County Legislator Defends His Nude Internet Photos as Art

County Legislator Says Nude Internet Photos are Art

A Democratic legislator running for reelection in New York’s Monroe County has been immersed in controversy after naked photos of the legislator appeared on a website he uses for both personal and professional reasons. WHAM now reports that C. Sephen Eckel has admitted to posting the photos, and defends his right to do so as art:

 

“C. Stephen Eckel removed two of the photos Friday after 13WHAM’s Sean Carroll questioned Eckel, a Democrat, about the photographs.  Those two images very clearly showed his private parts and were accessible on the website without any filters, disclaimers, or warnings.

There is no doubting that the photos are presented as art and Eckel confirmed that they are of him and were part of a class project he worked on eleven years ago while pursuing a Master’s of Fine Arts degree.

‘I invite people to look at it and judge for themselves,’ Eckel said in an interview with 13WHAM News hours after this was brought to his attention.  ’This is art.  This is my art.  This is my work and as a professor of photography that‘s what they want to see if they’re evaluating me for a position.’”

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle describes the photos as sepia-toned, taken with a wide lens at an elevated angle, and were full frontal nude shots of Eckel but not sexual in nature.

Eckel, a former photography professor, has represented the 26th legislative district in Monroe County since 2005. Some constituents have told WHAM that they are not offended by the photos given Eckel’s explanation.

“I don’t have a problem with it, I don‘t have an issue with it as long as he’s not sending these pictures out to little kids,”  Tina Despos, a self-described independent voter, told WHAM.  ”If he‘s a good guy and he has a good judgment and he’s looking out for the welfare of the community I don‘t see a problem with the artistic side of what he’s doing.”

However Andy Pena, a parent and voter in Eckel’s district, said “Those images are inappropriate.  How would you represent the city and look like that on the Internet?  That’s inappropriate.”

Eckel faces Republican Tony Micciche in the general election this Tuesday. While Eckel has accused his opponent of bringing the images to the media’s attention as a “smear tactic” to distract voters from the real issues, Micciche countered; “The sheer fact that you have to remove them, that should say enough to all voters.”

The 46-year-old Eckel says he pulled the photos Friday because he didn’t want to distract voters from the issues in his re-election campaign.

Comments (104)

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  • Speak without Fear
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 8:16pm

    This is nothing more then a Cat call……to ****’s.

    Report Post »  
  • Searchingforthelight
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 8:14pm

    Beyond Creepy

    Report Post »  
    • RossPoldark
      Posted on November 6, 2011 at 9:52pm

      Why were people so upset with wienie (Wiener)? Was this not art too? Yuck!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • Uechi
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 8:12pm

    Hate to tell MF but you are uglier then a box of rocks and a fat pos. Get a life AH. You are not anybody’s eye candy except perverts JO.

    Report Post »  
  • sizzler2220
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 8:08pm

    NYers keep electing the liberals and wonder why they have so many problems. LOL. Stop the madness NY! The rest of the nation doesn’t care any longer.

    Report Post »  
    • The Scarecrow
      Posted on November 6, 2011 at 8:52pm

      @Sizzler They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

      Report Post »  
  • BO_Bill
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 8:05pm

    This is what happens to apparently normal people when they live in New York, Hollywood, and increasingly Washington DC for too long. The best therapy for people like this is to re-locate to Wyoming or maybe the white parts of rural Alabama for an intervention.

    Now this would be the best TV show that will never, ever, be produced by the people who currently control our images. So I respectfully suggest the idea to GBTV. I have some intervention leaders in mind that would probably volunteer their time in exchange for a cut of any future profits. We will insist however on a portion of the future DVD and Amazon-type distribution rights.

    Report Post » BO_Bill  
  • MartyTr
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:55pm

    Another pervert. We’re on the verge of an immoral majority.

    Report Post »  
    • SavingtheRepublic.com
      Posted on November 6, 2011 at 8:16pm

      ~v~^~v~^~v~^~
      Verge!! We already are….

      Wait let me guess many of his pics are B&W thus they are art! Yea I heard that excuse used in the past on some site about guys getting out of trouble with their girlfriends for looking at pix.B&W is a form of art pics of _ that are B&W = art/artistic… LOL Sorry if Im going for Masters in art like him there is noway Im using pix of myself, he is just another perv demoncrat.

      This guy needs to go the same path as Weiner and be kicked out of office or step down its that simple. These people are suppose to be a representation of us. Is this you, does this guy represent you Monroe County voters?

      This country is on fire and it is because of the liber… progressive agenda. Im at a point where I dont want to call them progressives or even proggies; I think destroyers of America suits them much better. How much more until you have had enough America? Or are you too busy watching football, Dancing with the Stars, Real Housewives of __? This complacency and someone else will do something attitude is sickening.
      TAPGW http://SavingtheRepublic.com

      Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
  • stage9
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:54pm

    “If God is dead, somebody is going to have to take his place. It will be megalomania or erotomania, the drive for power or the drive for pleasure, the clenched fist or the phallus, Hitler or Hugh Hefner.”
    ― Malcolm Muggeridge

    When relativistic secularism becomes the dominant worldview, filth rushes in to fill the vacuum that Post-Christian civility leaves behind.

    Report Post » stage9  
    • Mimi24
      Posted on November 6, 2011 at 11:07pm

      God is not dead. Who told you that? He is most certainly alive. For sure many men hope he is dead. Then no one to answer to.

      Report Post »  
    • HorseCrazy
      Posted on November 6, 2011 at 11:33pm

      filth indeed. it is all around us and I am daily disgusted by people like this.

      Report Post »  
  • Constructionist
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:50pm

    “This is my work and as a professor of photography that‘s what they want to see if they’re evaluating me for a position.’”

    Thank you for applying to the position Mr. Eckel, however, before we can make a final decision; we’re gonna have to see pictures of your junk.

    Report Post » Constructionist  
    • sissykatz
      Posted on November 6, 2011 at 8:07pm

      Maybe it is just me, but I would not want to envision my legislators
      without any clothes on. lol I wonder if “Prince Harry” Reid has any
      posted??? ugh, I just made myself sick.

      Report Post »  
    • Mimi24
      Posted on November 6, 2011 at 10:52pm

      @ Sissykats. I hope not.

      Report Post »  
  • Mapache
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:47pm

    Looking at the evidence it would seem that the case would be thrown out due to lack of evidence.

    Report Post » Mapache  
  • Mimi24
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:46pm

    Oh I’m guessing that is not what they want to see. Better plan on staying unemployed if Monroe county or any potential employers get a look at what he considers art.

    Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:45pm

    The exhibitionist has exposed his shortcomings.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • South Philly Boy
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:41pm

    wiener JR

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
  • Cold War Vet
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:40pm

    What is it about the Democrat mindset that makes people want to expose themselves on the internet? There is something seriously wrong with these perverted moonbats. Now I’m just waiting for some moronic troll to come along and defend this Wieneresque (is that a word?) behavior.

    How to be an Occupy Protester:
    http://neuezeitgeist.wordpress.com/2011/11/05/how-to-be-an-ows-protester-2/

    Report Post » Cold War Vet  
    • ZaphodsPlanet
      Posted on November 6, 2011 at 8:47pm

      It’s their moral relativism …. aka…. “Don’t judge me man”…. or “If if feels good do it in the road”. You‘d think if the guy was going to show the world his wanker he’d at least do us the favor of working out for a few months like the Weiner…LOL

      Report Post » ZaphodsPlanet  
    • lodgerat
      Posted on November 6, 2011 at 10:03pm

      Great website,,I really enjoyed watching the idiots on the video talking with the guys from the Soviet Union. They didn’t have a clue. Thanks for standing up for America…A grateful Viet Nam Vet

      Report Post » lodgerat  
    • Cold War Vet
      Posted on November 7, 2011 at 1:23am

      2 LODGERAT

      Glad you like it! As for fighting for America’s future, anytime, anywhere!

      Report Post » Cold War Vet  
  • dtaman
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:40pm

    Just another sicko politician. =(

    Report Post » dtaman  
  • YepImaConservative
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:36pm

    I sure hope he’s not attracted to children…

    Wee Willie Winkie runs through the town,
    Upstairs and downstairs sans his nightgown,
    Tapping at the window and crying through the lock,
    Are all the children in their beds, it‘s past eight o’clock?

    And I hope there’s not more he would like to add to this Rhyme if he is…

    Report Post » YepImaConservative  
  • Cold War Vet
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:35pm

    The horrors of the liberal mind. Sheesh!

    How to be an Occupy Protester:
    http://neuezeitgeist.wordpress.com/2011/11/05/how-to-be-an-ows-protester-2/

    Report Post » Cold War Vet  
  • blazingaway
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:27pm

    I’m a professor, I’m and artist, I’m a city councilmen … I rule … I know what is right … I now what is best, I am an authority who you need to accept, bow down to me … follow me because I am that I am … worship me and my self-expression … I’m cool … glorify me for I am me .. you are a pee-on .. incapable of sound judgment discretion or good taste. You’re too stupid to know what is best for you so vote for me so that I can continue to insult you with my self-expression of my fat ass and little wee wee. Another Democrate jack ass .. just a stupid Ass with ******** who follow him

    Report Post » blazingaway  
  • mcgrawactor1
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:26pm

    All I can say is ICKY “art”.

    Report Post » mcgrawactor1  
  • RoAdFiXeR
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:25pm

    Yell I just gave birth to some “ART” then I flushed it so no one would be confused….

    Report Post » RoAdFiXeR  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:24pm

    The twisted mind of the progressive on display.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • LiberalMarine
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:21pm

    As long as he is not sending them to little kids and the people he serves don’t care then it is a non-issue.

    Report Post » LiberalMarine  
    • YoungBloodNews
      Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:30pm

      So thats why… “The 46-year-old Eckel says he pulled the photos Friday because he didn’t want to distract voters from the issues in his re-election campaign.”

      If your want to defend your right to post them then why take them down?

      I agree this is really a non-issue but still kinda funny

      Report Post » YoungBloodNews  
    • lodgerat
      Posted on November 6, 2011 at 10:08pm

      What country were you a Marine for? Not in my Marine Corps I hope.

      Report Post » lodgerat  
  • geonj
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:19pm

    the fact is, the nude form is art. as long as it is not going to kids it should be of no one’s concern.

    Report Post » geonj  
  • NDPINDNT
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:17pm

    Another “Wienergate”.

    Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:16pm

    Anthony Weiner should have thought of this EXCUSE! Another Democrat who is an exhibitionist.

    TEA!

    Report Post »  
  • Psychosis
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 7:14pm

    aint that cute

    it seems morals and politicians dont mix …………………….again

    Report Post » Psychosis  
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