A police commissioner of a New Hampshire town has resigned after admitting to using a racial slur to describe President Obama.
82-year-old Robert Copeland announced his resignation on Sunday, according to the Board of Selectmen Chair Linda Murray.
“The town is pleased,” Murray said. “This gives us the opportunity to move on. We are a very accepting community that really takes care of each other.”
Last week, the town held a meeting, where more than 100 citizens voiced their outrage and suggested that Copeland step down from his Wolfeboro post. While at the meeting, Copeland admitted to using the racial slur, and an added obscenity, while referring to Obama.
Copeland made the remark while he was having dinner at a restaurant in March. A citizen of the town Jane O’Toole overheard Copeland’s comments, and went to the town officials.
“I believe I did use the ‘N’ word in reference to the current occupant of the White House,” Copeland said in an email that he sent in April to the other two commissioners and then forwarded it to O’Toole. “For this, I do not apologize — he meets and exceeds my criteria for such.”
These comments also did not sit well with the townspeople. There were several citizens at the meeting that were there to offer their support to Copeland. However, the louder voice was those who found Copeland’s remarks derogatory and uncalled for.
“Comments like these, especially coming from a public official, are not only inexcusable but also terribly, unfortunately, reflects poorly on our town,” O’Toole said. “I feel it was the right thing for him to do to stop this incredible train that had been blowing through our town,” she added. “I’m thrilled the people of Wolfeboro have stood up and said that this is not acceptable.”
.
Efforts to contact Copeland for a comment have been unsuccessful.
Image via Wikimedia Commons