A state representative from Enfield arrested on drunken driving charges has been removed from leadership roles in the General Assembly, but he said in a statement released Friday that he's ready to get back to work.
Windsor Locks police arrested State Rep. David Alexander (D-Enfield), 33, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving after an officer witnessed him drive through a red light in the early hours of Feb. 28 and determined during a motor vehicle stop that he was intoxicated, police said.
State Rep. Brendan Sharkey, speaker of the House, has removed Alexander from his leadership roles. Alexander was vice-chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee.
Alexander released a statement that day to NBC Connecticut apologizing for his arrest and said in a second statement on Friday that "on March 9, 2015, I intended to resume my duties at the Capitol and get back to work fighting for the priorities of the residents of Enfield."
"I have been humbled this past week by the support and prayers of those who have reached out to me and my family," Alexander said. "Those thoughts are a source of strength as I begin the process of receiving help for my issues with alcohol. I take full responsibility for my actions and intend to participate in a program required by the Judicial Branch for first time DUI offenders. I sincerely apologize once again to all those who I have let down and look forward to rededicating myself to serving the public."
Sharkey said in a statement on the day of Alexander's arrest that he's "still gathering details about the incident" and had said that the incident was "serious enough to warrant Rep Alexander's removal from his leadership responsibilities as vice-chair of the Government Administration & Elections Committee."
"I trust that David understands his responsibilities to his family, his constituents, and himself, and will be taking the appropriate steps to address this matter," Sharkey previously said.
