State Representative Chip Baltimore spoke to Raccoon Valley Radio about his arrest last week in Ames.

The District 47 State Representative was arrested early Friday morning and charged with misdemeanors for OWI and possession of a firearm while under the influence. The Republican from Boone says he is taking full responsibility for his actions.

“First of foremost with regards to the legal charges that are there, I will be pleading guilty to those and accepting whatever legal consequences (or) sentences that will come from that. I’m not trying to get any special deals or treatment, I am simply pleading guilty to all of the charges that are charged against me.”

Baltimore hopes that his example of not driving after you’ve been drinking can serve as a reminder for others.

“I hope that no one ever makes the same bad decision that I made. But if someone finds themselves having made a bad decision of any sort, I hope that they will somewhat use me as an example for how to conduct oneself after that bad decision has been made. (You should) accept responsibility for it, don’t try to make excuses for it, and do everything in your power to rectify it as much as possible.”

Baltimore was also recently removed as Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, but he will continue to serve on the committee, along with ways and means, agriculture and state government committees.

To hear more from Baltimore, listen to today’s Community State Bank in Paton Let’s Talk Greene County program.