Cops and Courts

A Missoula city councilwoman arrested last week for driving under the influence of alcohol pleaded guilty Monday to a misdemeanor charge of DUI per se, then apologized for her actions during a Missoula City Council meeting.

“I made a human error in judgment,” Pam Walzer, 54, said during the evening council meeting. “I was wrong and fully accept the responsibilities and consequences. This is my first DUI.”

Walzer read from a prepared statement at the meeting. She earlier appeared in Missoula Municipal Court before Judge Don Louden for the change-of-plea hearing. She pleaded guilty to per se drunken driving, whereby a defendant admits to driving with a blood alcohol content greater than 0.08 – which is against the law – but does not admit to driving while intoxicated.

At the council meeting, Walzer also turned the tables on those who called for her resignation. She said she regrets her flawed judgment, but she hopes to continue serving on the council in the future if that is the will of voters in Ward 2.

“I do not believe my lapse in judgment affects my ability to serve my constituents,” Walzer said. She went on. “I intend to continue my position on City Council.”

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