To the editor, I wanted to write I have mixed feelings about Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy political aspirations to run for CT. State Governor. This is not because his son was arrested, but rather a question of the Mayor's priorities.
I have great sympathy for the families who suffer at the hand of a family member's substance abuse problems. I can't think of one family in my circle of friends who hasn't been forced to either deal directly with the problem, or deal with the consequences of NOT dealing with the problem.
In this day and age, drug and alcohol addiction are accepted as medically treated diseases. There are unlimited resources available to families. There is only one prerequisite. The need for ADMITTING there is a problem and dealing with that problem directly.
This young man, Ben Malloy, 21, who was arrested in Darien has not been held accountable for any of his run-ins with the law. It is very easy to blame the Stamford Police or the local newspapers for sweeping his past behavior under the rug. But, in the end, the blame will always comes back to his parents. How long did they expect this to continue before a very serious accident happened? The type of accident that leaves another family grieving.
I believe Mayor Dan Malloy has done a fair job as Mayor of Stamford. I'm not judging his career. I don't believe parenting skills should cast a shadow on his political achievements but that's what will happen. We will begin to hear all sorts of past incidents regarding the Malloy kids. So, it's a little late now. This Mayor has failed to deal with serious personal problems in straight forward, mature manner. One of his sons, Ben Malloy, didn't wake up one day,at age 21, with a substance abuse problem.
I was disappointed at news regarding the arrest. The Mayor has chosen to make a "public statement" in an private email sent to about 30 people. That is a sham.
Now, do I want a State Representative who can't even manage his personal life? No, I want someone who is willing to admit there are serious problems being dealt with. Up until now, Dan and his son, Ben Malloy, have been lucky. They (and our pathetic local newspapers) have also been extremely evasive and calculating.
In the world of drugs/alcohol/crime, "LUCK" runs out rather quickly.
MB
Old Greenwich
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