Broome GOP Leader: Fiala Should Resign

The Broome County Republican chairman has called on Anthony Fiala Jr. to resign from his seat on the county legislature.

The 49-year-old Fiala pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated after police accused him of striking a bicyclist on Clinton Street in Binghamton.

Police said Fiala left the scene of the collision. He was found at his home a short time later and placed under arrest.

Fiala appeared in Binghamton City Court Thursday, a week after the crash.

Fiala's driver license was revoked for six months and he was assessed $895 in penalties.

County Republican chairman Bijoy Datta this morning issued a statement urging Fiala to submit his resignation from the legislature immediately.

Datta said Republicans waited to see whether Fiala would "do the right thing" and step down from his seat following his guilty plea.

Datta said Fiala has been "missing in action" since his arrest, noting he did not attend legislative committee meetings last week.

Karl Bernhardsen is the Republican candidate challenging Fiala for the 13th District seat in next month's election.

In the statement issued by the county GOP committee, Bernhardsen said he believes it's best for Fiala to "take a step back to focus on his own personal issues."

Bernardsen said he hopes Fiala "gets the professional help that he needs."

Fiala could not be reached for comment this afternoon.

Fiala's mother, Barbara Fiala, is a  former Broome County executive. She now is the state Department of Motor Vehicles commissioner and chairs the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.