Via the PD, Cleveland Councilman Zack Reed has pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol at municipal court this morning.
The Ward 2 Councilman also intends to challenge the suspension of his license for refusing to submit to a Breathalyzer test when stopped by a police officer on Monday night. He wants a jury trial as soon as possible.
Reed, who was convicted of drunk driving in both 2005 and 2008, was evidently on his way to city hall — back to work on that "no talking and driving" bill, maybe — and has no intention of stepping down. If convicted, Reed could face up to 6 months in jail.
Council President Martin Sweeney didn't say much to reporters, but has stated in prior interviews that incarceration is not a valid excuse for missing council meetings.
Council rules state that any member who misses 10 consecutive meetings must be removed if the council does not approve the absences.
Phillip Morris' column this morning, betwixt Marvin Gaye lyrics, announced that Reed's public life is virtually over.
