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Traverse City Mayor Seeks Forgiveness, Reelection After Arrest

TRAVERSE CITY (WWJ/AP) - Traverse City's mayor says he wants to earn the public's forgiveness following his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving.

Mayor Michael Estes, who is seeking a second two-year term in next Tuesday's election, gave no indication that he planned to resign as he spoke at a press conference held Wednesday at the city's governmental center.

"If elected on Nov. 5 I will do everything in my power to serve the citizens of Traverse City to the best of my ability," Estes said.

The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports he took no questions.

Police said the 63-year-old mayor was pulled over Oct. 23 after an officer saw a vehicle cross the center line and then move into a designated bicycle lane. An officer reported a breath test produced a blood alcohol level of 0.12 percent, exceeding the state's threshold of 0.08 percent.

Traverse City Police Capt. Mike Ayling told the Record Eagle the officer's video camera captured the Oct. 23 traffic stop and subsequent arrest, but a technical issue prevented it from being downloaded into the station's computer. He said the patrol vehicle had similar problems before the incident.  He said it's possible the video might be salvaged.

Estes is scheduled to appear in 86th District Court for an arraignment on Nov. 4  — one day before Traverse City voters head to the polls.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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