DeComo Seeks Fifth Term as Magisterial District Judge

by Jonathan Weaver

A local magisterial district judge hopes to find himself back behind the bench again for 2018.

Magisterial District Judge J. Gary DeComo announced last week that he will seek reelection to Magisterial District No. l. This District includes the Boroughs of Ford City, Ford Cliff, Freeport, Manorville, and the Townships of Manor, Cadogan, North Buffalo, and South Buffalo.

“I enjoy my job – I still enjoy it every day,” DeComo said. “And, I enjoy working with my drug program – which has become nationally-known.”

DeComo is of course speaking about the Drugs Kill Dreams program – which recently celebrating its 15th anniversary.

This live presentation features prerecorded video prevention messages from the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins, as well as law enforcement officials, physicians, and people in recovery. The program is updated and presented annually to area schools and community organizations.

“When I first took office, (problems were) underage drinking and marijuana. We had some problems with cocaine and then with crack cocaine – which I thought could not be worse,” DeComo said. “And then, all of a sudden, pain relievers and heroin came along.

“Heroin is the most-horrible drug we’ve ever seen.”

DeComo said the program will advance with new lessons about painkillers.

At DeComo’s request, the PA Senate passed a resolution on October 17, 2016, declaring February 2, 2017 as “Drugs Kill Dreams Opiate Alert Day” in Pennsylvania.

“We’re trying to get most parts of the state involved in some way, shape or for. It’s a community project – it’s not just me. We have the Drugs Kill Dreams Jail Experience – I work with (County District Attorney) Scott (Andreassi), an advocate of drug prevention; my fellow Magisterial District Judge in Kittanning James Owen is an advocate, Sheriff (Bill Rupert), Coroner (Brian Myers)…we all work together because we know that most people with a major addiction – in fact, 80 percent of them – started using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs before they were 18,” DeComo said. “Prevention and education are the keys here, because once these men and women are addicted, it’s really a rough road for them, their families and society.”

DeComo is a member of the ACMH Foundation and assumes an active role in the Ford City Lion’s Club where he chairs the 4th Grade Poster Contest. DeComo annually sponsors area youth sports and activities, such as the 6th Grade Good Citizenship Award Program, Elementary School Good Conduct and Attendance Incentives, the Wounded Warrior Program and various other veterans’ programs, The Bowl for Kid’s Sake Program, and co-sponsors the annual youth Drugs Kill Dreams Basketball Tournament – being recognized for his volunteer efforts nationally.

A lifelong resident and a member of Christ Prince of Peace Church, DeComo resides in Manorville with his wife, Sheri.

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