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I am a single mother of two sons. Every day I worry about the trouble they might face with drugs, alcohol and the like. It is terrifying.
I recently saw a TV commercial featuring Lackawanna County Commissioner Patrick O’Malley talking about drinking and driving. Commissioner O’Malley is seen walking through a cemetery, discussing the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol. I was drawn to it, particularly because he seemed so genuine and concerned. Of course, it occurred to me that he was probably being paid to do the commercial, so he had to sound concerned. Either way, it was refreshing to have some hope that there was someone in our local government who was thinking about our kids.
I ran into Commissioner O’Malley a little while after seeing the commercial. I had to ask him how he had come to be interested in making such a public service announcement and who had paid for it. To my surprise, he told me that he had paid for the making of the commercial. I asked him why he would do that and his reply:
“As a former corrections officer, I saw a lot of people destroy their lives and the lives of others because of driving under the influence. I wanted to remind the youth of our community that their lives have just begun and that drinking and driving is a dead-end street.”
I couldn’t believe it. His response was genuine, I can tell you that. It also made me tear up a little!
As a parent, I thank Commissioner O’Malley for his concern for the safety of our children. In an age where it is so difficult figuring out who really has my kids’ backs, I believe Commissioner O’Malley truly does.
Donna Loiacono
Taylor