P-J file photo

U.S. Rep. Tom Reed said Friday morning he is “slowly getting back to a schedule” but is ready to return to work once Congress comes back to session in Washington next week. In his first public comments since the middle of March, Reed said his final term as a representative will focus on “recovery and renewal.”

“We need to focus on the issue of recovery and addiction,” the congressman said in a telephone conversation with the OBSERVER and Post-Journal. “So many people have reached out to me from all walks of life.”

Reed, in a statement March 21, responded to sexual misconduct allegations made by a former lobbyist for an insurance company. Those allegations became public two days earlier in The Washington Post and Reed accepted “full responsibility” while also admitting his battle with alcohol.

“I am now approaching four years of that personal lifelong journey of recovery,” he said in the statement. “With the support of my wife, kids and loved ones, professional help, and trust in a higher power, I continue that journey day-by-day. This is in no way an excuse for anything I’ve done. Consistent with my recovery, I publicly take ownership of my past actions, offer this amends and humbly apologize again to Ms. Davis, my wife and kids, loved ones, and to all of you.”

Reed, R-Corning, remained humbled during the Friday phone conversation, but focused and committed to continue to work for the residents of the 23rd district.

“That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do,” he said.

See complete coverage in the weekend edition.