NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – The top Republican in the New York State Assembly was charged with drunk driving on New Year’s Eve just a week after writing an op-ed warning drivers not to drive drunk.
Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb was arrested on a DWI charge after crashing his state-issued GMC Acadia near his home in Victor, police say.
The vehicle landed in a ditch, according to the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office. No one was injured but Kolb was charged with driving while intoxicated.
Kolb, who is the longest-serving legislative leader in the New York State Legislature, issued an apology in a statement on New Year’s Day.
“Last night, I was charged with driving under the influence near my home. This was a terrible lapse in judgment, one I have urged others not to make, and I take full responsibility for it,” he said in the statement. “I fully recognize the severity of the situation and I am profoundly sorry. There is no excuse and no justification for what occurred Tuesday evening. I made the wrong decision, and it is one I deeply regret.”
On Dec. 26 Kolb wrote a column in the Daily Messenger urging drivers to not drink and drive.
“Many of our holiday traditions, especially our New Year’s Eve celebrations, involve indulging in spirits. Done safely, and in moderation, these can be wonderful holiday experiences. However, tragedy can be only one bad decision away,” he wrote in part.
There have been calls for Kolb to step down.
“@GOPLdrBrianKolb should step down as Assembly Minority Leader. That he hasn’t done so already is a disgrace,” fellow Republican Assemblyman Kieran Michael Lalor tweeted.