Many unanswered questions from arrest

The news of LaToya Nkongolo’s DUI arrest as recently reported in The Capital and other news outlets, followed by an opinion column by Republican Christopher Anderson entitled “Supporting LaToya Nkongolo during a difficult time” printed in the Capital Gazette on Feb. 18, prompts many questions. When will Nkongolo address her stunning lack of judgment publicly with the voters she hopes to represent on the Anne Arundel County Board of Education?

Since her traffic stop and arrest just after 7 p.m. on Jan. 28, Nkongolo has been silent. No public apology for allegedly driving intoxicated and endangering lives. No accountability whatsoever. Remarkably, she would instead pretend that nothing happened or that any personal trauma excuses driving drunk.

This behavior is not becoming of someone who wants to serve on the Board of Education. Per the incident report, Nkongolo drove into oncoming traffic, lied about her possession of alcohol (despite having multiple bottles of liquor and wine in her car) and damage to her car, and refused field sobriety and breathalyzer tests.

Nkongolo has a history of not being transparent. For months she has deleted comments and blocked potential constituents on her social media for merely asking for her position on educational policy. One can refer to posts on “Chat in SP, Too,” a local Facebook group for a list of District 5 constituents, to see a list of who Nkongolo has blocked.

Allegedly driving drunk is a serious offense. If convicted, Nkongolo will lose her license for a year, pay a hefty fine and/ or have to breathe into an ignition interlock installed in her vehicle before driving. She sets a terrible example for all children, including our AACPS students, with her actions.