SALT LAKE CITY — Saying she takes responsibility for her DUI arrest last week, Salt Lake City Councilwoman Amy Fowler addressed the incident before her colleagues Tuesday.
"I do want to take a moment to apologize," said Fowler at the beginning of the council meeting. "I am truly sorry that this has affected my colleagues on the council, as well as the mayor, city staff and the city as a whole."
Acknowledging that her arrest may have caused a lack of trust in her ability to lead, Fowler said she will work to rebuild that trust between herself and her constituents in District 7.
"I believe we are a community of compassion and forgiveness," she said.
The councilwoman was arrested Wednesday on one count of DUI after she allegedly was involved in a hit-and-run accident and found sitting in her car in Springville with the engine running. A Utah Highway Patrol trooper said Fowler smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes.
After first denying she had used alcohol and refusing sobriety tests, Fowler performed one test and failed. She was then placed under arrest and recorded a .111 BrAC.
Fowler did not mention the specifics of the arrest, but told the council that she is taking the matter seriously on a "personal level," and that it has been an eye-opening experience in regards to her "relationship with alcohol" and decisions that she has made.
"I truly regret causing any distraction from the important work that is happening at the city," she said.
Later Tuesday evening, the council announced that Fowler will be taking a step back from her public duties temporarily.
UPDATE: @slcCouncil says Council member Amy Fowler will step back from public duties for 30 days following her arrest on suspicion of DUI. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
— Ben Winslow (@BenWinslow) May 10, 2023
The council's full statement read:
"As a body, we would like to address the recent news regarding Councilwoman Amy Fowler and the allegations against her. We very much appreciate her statement during our Council meeting earlier today.
"We believe elected officials are accountable to the public they serve. Councilwoman Fowler is taking immediate actions, including stepping down from her leadership role as Redevelopment Agency (RDA) Vice Chair for the year and stepping back from some of her public duties for 30 days as a Councilwoman to focus on this personal matter.
"We believe it is important to recognize that, as humans, Council Members make mistakes and errors. We also believe in extending compassion and grace to all individuals, including our Council colleagues, at times like this.
"We want to be clear that, as the City Council, we consider the safety and well-being of the public our utmost priority. During this process, we remain committed to transparency and serving the residents of Salt Lake City to the best of our ability.
"District 7 constituents can still count on support and representation from Councilwoman Fowler and the full Council during her absence. As always, residents may reach the Council Office at 801-535-7600 or council.comments@slcgov.com.
"We will continue to inform the public of any developments regarding this matter.”
