LaBarbera takes reduced charge in town court

Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, August 30, 2007

Robert S. LaBarbera, a Niagara County Legislature candidate, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of Driving While Ability Impaired by alcohol Tuesday in Wheatfield Town Court.

LaBarbera was charged with Driving While Intoxicated on July 19.

On the reduced charge, LaBarbera was ordered to pay a $400 fine with an $80 surcharge, attend a drug and alcohol program and attend one session of a victim impact panel. His license was suspended for 90 days, but Judge John J. Mattio allowed him to drive for 20 days from the court date before the suspension goes into effect.

LaBarbera, a Democrat, is running for the 6th District Legislature seat currently held by Danny Sklarski of the Town of Niagara.

In a letter published in the Aug. 16 Niagara-Wheatfield Tribune, LaBarbera called the incident an unfortunate mistake and not his typical behavior.

“Anyone who questions my remorse in this matter, need only note the fact that I apologized publicly through the airways, did not dodge the issues and fielded all calls,” he wrote. “As I face my personal difficulties, I only ask for an open mind in separating the personal and political issues. Although I know better, I would hope we can move forward from the personal issues to the real issues, and how they can be dealt with.”