Broome Legislator Charged With DWI Speaks

The Broome County Legislator who recently pleaded guilty to drunk driving after a bicyclist was hit on Clinton Street in Binghamton earlier this month says he is bolstered by the support he has received.

Democrat Anthony Fiala addressed the issue at the October 16 legislative session and apologized to constituents and legislators for the ordeal.

Fiala admitted he made what he called a ‘major mistake’ and said he disappointed many people.  The legislator says he is working to make up for that.

Fiala, who is running for a second term, says he is not backing down from his work in the legislature or for the senior housing organization he leads.

Fiala has also admitted publicly that he was driving a SEPP vehicle at the time of the October 2^nd collision.

The bicyclist was reportedly hurt but turned down medical attention.

The legislator says one of his biggest regrets following the incident is the strain on his family, especially his mother, former Broome County Executive and current New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Barbara Fiala.