Dear Sam, It's time to go.

Dear Sam

It's time to go. (Read in a soothing, motherly voice) In light of your second DUI this week, it is time to resign from the Baltimore County Council. Perhaps these incidents are symptoms of a deeper personal issue which requires your time and attention to resolve. Or perhaps it shows a total disregard for your personal safety and the safety of other drivers and passengers on our roads.

Our public officials should be role models for the citizens of our community and the community's children. In 2005, your loyal supporters asked for understanding from your constituents because public officials are human and entitled to a mistake. A mistake. One mistake.

This second incident, again involving an accident, and causing injury to another person, can no longer be brushed aside as "a mistake." This time the behavior can only be described as reckless.

Each year the PTAs and PTSAs sponsor events in our schools explaining to students the dangers of drinking and driving. These organizations can no longer have our councilman at student events representing local government. This topic was discussed at PTA meetings in 2005 and it will take up valuable meeting time again, if you continue as our County Councilman.

A quiet resignation will show the citizens and children of Catonsville that there are consequences for bad actions. No public explanation is necessary. Resign. get the help you need. Stop drinking and driving, not just for a few years, but forever. My children, my friends and my neighbors deserve to be safe on Catonsville's streets.