Give me an opportunity to rebuild trust I lost after my DUI

Though I failed to recognize it, for years I have had problems with alcohol.

Throughout my adult life, I have, at times, had too much to drink and made poor decisions while impaired. That’s what happened May 6.

I got drunk and got behind the wheel. Fortunately, I was pulled over by the Tempe police and arrested before anyone got hurt.

There is no excuse for what I did. It was wrong and even now, three months after the fact, I remain ashamed and humbled by my conduct. Every resident of Mesa has my deepest apologies for this incident and its aftermath.

After that night, when I watched the police footage of my arrest, I was shaken by what I saw. The video showed that I was falling down drunk. It showed that I drove while completely and dangerously intoxicated. I lied to police. And I couldn’t even count to 10.

This was the second time I have been arrested for driving under the influence. But it was the first time I realized I have a serious problem, and that the solution isn’t just drinking a little less.

In 2008, after the first DUI, I went back to get my degree, became civically engaged, addressed some health issues and became a business owner. I completely changed an external part of my life — but I did not change internally.

The solution for me now is facing the reality that I am an alcohol abuser and that I need help to change that. I need to address what isn’t working in my life, and build a path forward with humility, purpose and hope.

That path forward began immediately after May 6 with alcohol counseling. I eliminated alcohol from my life. I have accepted the legal consequences and served time in jail. I have apologized and taken responsibility for my wrongdoing. I have surrounded myself with a community that will hold me accountable.

Now, I am asking my colleagues on the City Council and my constituents for fair discipline, but also for an opportunity to rebuild their trust.

It is because of those relationships, and because of the forgiveness, I have received from so many of you, my friends and neighbors and constituents — that I know I will be able to work with my community to continue the great things we’ve done together to move Mesa forward.

With your support, and with your honest criticism, I will rebuild the trust you put in me back on Election Day.

Together, we’re going strengthen our small businesses that allow Mesa to flourish. We’re going create solutions for education. We’re going to implement innovative ideas that make our city more sustainable.

We’re going to build a path into the future as one community, because despite my awful mistakes and my struggle with alcohol abuse, I still have a deep passion for Mesa and for working with its people. This will always be one of my highest priorities, no matter which consequences the City Council decides are appropriate for the terrible decision I made in May.

Wherever my path leads, I know that it will always lead to service for the people of Mesa. Few things in life have filled me with greater purpose, or greater hope. Representing my community on the City Council has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

Nothing will change the excitement I have for my work on the council, nor hinder my mission to advocate for my constituents in District 3.

I hope that my colleagues and my community will give me the opportunity to continue that work.

Regardless, I will love and champion Mesa every day, whatever the future brings — and I hope you will be a part of that work with me whether I continue as a councilmember, or as just another neighbor like you who loves our city.