Supervisor should resign

Editorials

Discussion

September 12, 2007

Racial slur at meeting was appalling

Anonymous The Tribune-Democrat Wed Sep 12, 2007, 10:24 AM EDT

We are appalled that a Susquehanna Township supervisor would use a racial slur – especially during an open, public meeting.

And we also are troubled that a fellow supervisor would attempt to shift blame to the media – saying The Tribune-Democrat, in its reporting on the comment, “is trying to smear” the supervisors.

How pathetic.

At a meeting last week, Supervisor Nancy Davis used the phrase “(N-word)-rigged” when describing a decrepit township snowplow that she believed needed to be replaced.

Former supervisor Allen Stossel called for Davis to resign. Stossel said Davis should “step down, and it should be done at the next meeting.”

We agree that Davis should resign from the board. But we don’t think she should wait until the next meeting.

She should step down today. Right now.

That racial slur – in addition to being insensitive and very inappropriate – indicates that Davis is incapable of representing all residents of Susquehanna Township equally, without preference or prejudice.

In a written statement to this newspaper, Davis said: “I am not a racist or never will be a racist. I will not resign.”

We would rather her statement said something like this: “I’m deeply sorry. What I said was inappropriate. I apologize to the residents of Susquehanna Township.”

Without saying so directly, fellow supervisor Linda Wilson supported Davis’ resolution to stay on the board when she employed the age-old tactic of blaming the media.

When asked about the slur, Wilson said: “The Tribune-Democrat is against the current township supervisors in office.”

What a sad, shortsighted comment.

Those who seek out and hold public offices must be held to the highest standard. That means acting and speaking appropriately at all times – including when conducting public business.

And those who hold public offices must realize that their steps – and missteps – will be closely scrutinized by the media, and by the constituents whom those officeholders represent.

Davis should resign.

And Wilson should do some serious thinking about what it means to be a member of the Susquehanna Township Board of Supervisors.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Editorials

Readers' Forum 2-10 | Pastor: Area churches are in distress
As a retired pastor, I have the opportunity to preach in many churches in the area. What I am seeing is most alarming.

February 10, 2012
Neighborhoods urged ‘to step up’
When government officials and community groups talk about neighborhood improvements, blight elimination and trash and litter cleanups, our ears perk up.

February 10, 2012
Readers' Forum 2-9 | Find funds to heal returning soldiers
The article, “Military finds troops ailing; problems create health care backlog,” published Feb. 2 by USA Today, impressed me so profoundly that I just can’t keep myself from bringing it to your attention.

February 9, 2012
Take in a high school play
“Peter Pan” has already done a flyby at Windber Area High School.

February 9, 2012
Readers' Forum 2-8 | Ambulance crew following protocol
In response to the Readers’ Forum letter on Feb. 3 by Molly Comperatore, “Ambulance assoc. bill extravagant, unethical”:

February 8, 2012
Protect young lungs
A recent CDC study concludes that too many kids are breathing others’ smoke in cars.

February 8, 2012
Richard Dreyfuss | Future generations will come out on losing end of budget
As the governor’s state budget undergoes intense scrutiny, there is no shortage of speculation surrounding various fiscal austerity proposals and which departments and programs will likely be the ultimate budgetary “winners and losers.”

February 8, 2012
‘219’ optimism is driven closer toward reality
Making U.S. Route 219 a four-lane highway from Somerset to the Mason-Dixon Line is a crucial project for our entire region.

February 7, 2012
Readers' Forum 2-7 | Country controlled by wackos
You just can’t make this stuff up.

February 7, 2012
‘219’ optimism is driven closer toward reality
Making U.S. Route 219 a four-lane highway from Somerset to the Mason-Dixon Line is a crucial project for our entire region.

February 7, 2012
More Editorials Headlines

Editorials

Search Results

Discussion

Supervisor should resign

Racial slur at meeting was appalling

Do you support Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed state budget for fiscal year 2012-13?

Contact Us