CLIFTON PARK — Troy City Council President Carmella Mantello pleaded guilty Thursday evening to driving while ability impaired, a week after her arrest in Clifton Park.

"I used poor judgment. I'm human. And I will learn and grow from this," Mantello said after her plea in Clifton Park Town Court. Her license will be suspended for 90 days, and she'll pay a $753 fine.

Mantello said she hoped she could push beyond this chapter and will continue to serve her constituents. She thanked the police for their handling of her case.

"I have certainly over the last week endured an experience that I will grow and I will learn from, and hopefully use that experience for the betterment of not only myself, my family, but for the city of Troy," she said, before leaving to attend an evening city council meeting.

Mantello declined to discuss the details of her Dec. 26 arrest on charges of DWI and following too closely, which concluded what police had described as an aggressive driving incident.

The incident began on I-890 in Schenectady and continued onto I-87 northbound. The driver of a second vehicle maintained contact with police, and both vehicles left the Northway in Clifton Park. Troopers pulled over Mantello on Route 146-A in Clifton Park.

Mantello, 53, of Troy "showed signs of intoxication and was placed under arrest," according to a news release. She provided a breath sample that indicated her blood-alcohol level tested at 0.13 percent, well above the legal limit of 0.08 percent.

State Police charged Mantello, a former candidate for mayor in Troy and a longtime city council member, with driving under the influence and following too closely. Mantello issued a statement Friday taking full responsibility for her arrest.

After pleading guilty, Mantello presided over the first Troy City Council meeting of the year. Her attorney William Roberts also attended the meeting.

"Disappointed in her behavior" is how Councilman Anasha Cummings, the council's ranking Democrat, described his reaction to the Republican council president's experience. "I hope everyone can learn from this situation and move on."

Republican Councilman Mark McGrath said he was certain Mantello learned from the experience.

Mantello is also a $70,000-a-year legislative director for state Sen. Elizabeth Little, R-Warren County.