“I am not Jesus Christ” Romano’s drunken WV trip

“I am not Jesus Christ” Romano’s drunken WV trip

The Weekly Recorder
June 13, 2008

Washington- The once promising political career of Sammy “The Bull” Romano is in potential collapse in the wake of his being apprehended three miles south of Parsons WVa. for drinking and driving.

Romano first burst into the public eye with his stunning victory over two older and better known police officers, William Bryker and R.T.Bell. His victory stunned many local political observers as he had not formal organization.

Romano parlayed an anti-Larry Maggi coalition into a formidible force. But not a natural political leader, he eventually turned into a loyal ally of the Canonsburg political faction.

But Romano stated that the pressure of the job was getting to him. “I have no holes in my hands, I am not Jesus Christ” Romano told us in regards to his recent drunken escapade.

Romano did not deny that he was drinking and driving, but he stated that he was did not know because he was “as coherent as I am now.”

Romano denied that he was driving when he was stopped. “We were looking at a waterfall when I was arrested” he told us. But police reports state that Romano crossed the center line twice and had been reported as weaving in and out of traffic.

Romano did point out that he did not flash his badge at the officers to get out of his problems. Some local police officers privately questioned this though “They will normally let one of our own go” a local police officer told us.

Tucker County Sheriff Thomas Felton stated that Romano failed five field tests and that they were just doing their job. “We felt really bad about this” he told us. “We have been watching down here for days hoping that no one noticed” he continued.

Felton did inform us that Romano was cooperative during his arrest, a point that Romano himself stated. “Ididn’t get mouthy or flash my badge”.

Romano supporters were standing by their man on Wednesday night. Long time friend and chief deputy Jimmy D’Alessandro stated “I will not abandon my best friend”. Close ally and employee Tony Interval stated that “Sammy is my friend and continues to be my friend. We will get through this.”

The Romano faction was refering to the now certantity that there will be an opponent for Romano next year. Both opponents in the Democratic party and the loyal opposition in the Republican party are likely to field candidates in the wake of this scandal.

“You will be seeing 20,000+ of that mug shot next year” one high ranking political operative stated. Romano supporters have been heard saying “It just means we will have to work harder”.

Romano was traveling with his girlfriend towards Seneca Falls on a site seeing trip. They had been in Elkins and traveled 29 miles towards Seneca Falls.

Romano stated that they had become lost and were trying to find their way to their destination when they stopped to see the waterfall.

But the trip to Seneca Falls as displayed on the front of the paper is a simple straight trip fro Elkins through Parsons and down Route 72 towards Caanan Valley. On the other hand, the roads in that region have few landmarks to aid in knowing which direction you are heading.

Romano did not explain where he had been drinking, but stated that a woman that they asked for directions might have seen beers in his fiance’s car.

Romano did state that he has acquired the services of a member of the West Virginia Bar from the Morgantown region. He also stated he will willingly accept whatever punishment they will be giving, after he
is convicted. He did not state a desire to fight the potential conviction, but instead owned up to the illegal
behavior.

“I made a mistake, I know that.” he stated. He pointed out that the entire experience has brought him “closer to family and God”. “I can’t sleep or eat. I am so upset over this situation” he told us on Wednesday.

He told us that he also intends to us this for the positive. He plans on telling children and others about his problems and how not to make the same mistakes.

Romano has been an outspoken advocate for children during his time in office. Romano also stated that he will “never drink again, except in church”. “You can count on one thing, this will never happen again” he continued.

Romano did keep pointing out that he does not have a drinking problem, though the question was never actually asked during the interview.

Romano also pointed out that in spite of all the good things he has done, that most people will focus on the negative. He did point out the mail that he is receiving that is supportive though. He told us that some have expressed their support for him because he owned up to his mistake. Some were even moved to tell him that they wished they could take his pain.

But for now Romano’s political future lies in the balance. His popularity is based on his common man appeal, his winning personality and low key attitude. It will be surely tested over the coming months, whether Romano survive.

He is fortunate that he has time to recover from being caught with .231 of his blood being alcohol. Three times the legal limit could be three strikes and your out for the County Sheriff.