Cleveland City Councilman and eminent “party boy” Zack Reed was arrested early this morning after running red lights and making “improper” turns downtown.
Turns out the guy had had a few drinks. …Whoa! Who’da thunk?
It’s not the first time he’s been tossed in the drunk tank. Reed garnered DUIs in 2005 and 2007, as well.
He spoke with Scene in early 2008 about his politically “meh.” career thus far:
It’s clear that he sees himself not as a humble servant to an East Side wasteland, but as the handsome prince of a budding kingdom. He wears $500 suits, drives a BMW, and likes to call himself the Bill Clinton of Mount Pleasant. He has a fondness for women of all stripes, and even friends admit his addiction to white women may rival his addiction to alcohol. During his hard-partying days, he never seemed to mind his reputation as Mayor of the Warehouse District.
In retrospect, they were all signs of a politician about to fall.
And there’s something else he said that still hangs in the air: “‘I have to give up alcohol,’ he says. ‘Me and alcohol can’t coexist.'”
Pretty profound stuff.
We assume that he’ll return to fine form by Thirsty Thursday, at which point: Next round’s on you, Reed!
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Follow Eric Sandy on Twitter @ericsandy
This article appears in Feb 27 – Mar 5, 2013.
bad boy bad boy watcha gonna do, watcha gonna do when they come for you????
He finally needs to resign in disgrace.
Reed is obviously a moron, but while everyone’s piling on, another public official had his DUI case quietly brushed under the rug. That is Assistant County Prosecutor Reno Oradini’s 2010 DUI case in North Royalton Mayor’s Court. When last we heard from the PD on that case, they told us the magistrate was going to recuse himself and they were also considering a special prosecutor. The PD reporter covering it was Mark Puente. Puente moved to Florida and the PD never followed-up. Nor has Scene, as far as I know. The Sun Press reported that the case had been continued a couple of times, and then went silent. Something’s very fishy. Is our entire local media so corrupt that not one reporter will find out what happened?
Robert — Here’s an update: Following several continuances, Oradini appeared in court May 13, 2010 (three months after the DUI). He pleaded no contest and was found guilty to the tune of $750 + court costs. His license was suspended for a year, which ended Feb. 13, 2011.
First of all, why did the PD never report on that outcome. They left us hanging after stating:
“Oradini is scheduled to appear at 9 a.m. Thursday in North Royalton Mayor’s Court. Magistrate James Marniella recused himself from the case because of a personal relationship with Oradini, North Royalton Law Director Thomas A. Kelly] said. Kelly is also considering hiring a special prosecutor to hear the case in order to stay away from any political improprieties.”
But the reporter on the case (Mark Puente — reporter who took down Sheriff McFaul) moved to Florida and the PD lost interest. I can’t find your update in that paper’s archives.
Just a fine? I thought, in Ohio, first time offenders receive either 3 days in jail or 3 days in an intervention course (I believe that’s held in a hotel).
And what about the female in his car who was under the legal drinking age and was allegedly drunk and in possession of alcohol?
What happened with the special prosecutor?
Traditionally, when a newspaper begins covering a case, they are obliged to continue reporting through its outcome. Didn’t happen here. It was swept under the rug.
But I appreciate the reply, Mr. Sandy!
Oh boy….breathalyzer for the city car? Party like-a-Zach-Reed-plates? Designated driver for his designated driver?
19 action news only goes after easy prey, they don’t tackle the challenging stories, so for a translation, I would call them bullies. Shame on them, they should be embarrassed!
Reed is a joke and a embarrassment, enough is enough already, he needs to finally have some class and resign.
So he has a weakness for alcohol and loose women, and says he is a man of the people while driving a BMV wearing $500 suits? Sounds like the typical politician to me, just another snake.
Well from what they say on the news is there are going to be two lost council seats due to redistricting….
Guess who is first on that list?
Hey Zac is your resume updated??
Maybe he’s trying for the high score on the number of DUIs you can get. It’s not basketball, it’s more like golf. Lowest number of DUI’s wins.
We the residents of ward 2 being 75% want Zack Reed OUT come November we will show the City of Cleveland our Great Mayor it’s very unfortunate you sit quietly by with no formal statement no press release no town hall forum this has been documented and we will consider your silence during our time at the ballot box Black folk are far from numb and dumb so remember this time when you decide to put out leaflets and march in parades to campaign lastly but far from least Mr.Blaine Griffin you have the nerve to think we as citizens of this city don’t know what credibility and integrity is you have Mr.James Box a convicted rapist numerous sex assault complaints and now 11 new charges and you have him as an employee receiving tax payers money we as the citizens of this City will remember the likes of you at the poll!
Pathetic Zack “Drunk” Reed
sentence: ship him off to Detroit
Update: Judge decided to let Zack Reed off the hook after saying “aw hell, you learned your lesson, right?”