A school board president in Putnam County resigned after he described a woman as "chubby wubby" on an open microphone, sparking community outrage
The Journal News says the remark by Ray Cote was made during a Mahopac school board meeting last month. It was videotaped and broadcast on a local cable access station and livestreamed online.
According to the News, a trustee approached Cote and asked what he thought was going on because people weren't showing up to meetings.
Cote responded, "Oh, I know, I know. This one here, 'Chubby wubby.' She gets fatter and fatter at every meeting. She really does," according to the paper.
A former school trustee told the News the woman to whom Cote was referring is a mother of six who has volunteered with the district for a decade.
At a school board meeting Tuesday, Cote announced he would step down from his post and withdrew his candidacy for reelection to the school board, the News reported.
"I would like to apologize for my choice of words after the close of the board meeting on April 8, 2014, which are regretful," he said. "My words were inappropriate and do not reflect my feelings or attitudes. I will strive to regain the trust and respect of the community."
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The school board accepted his apology in a statement Tuesday.
"We are disappointed by and do not condone this lapse in judgment on the part of Mr. Cote," the board said. "The Board of Education expects all of its members and meeting participants and attendees to act in a respectful manner"
The News says Cote s a member of a diversity and sensitivity initiative created in March following racist tweets posted by some Mahopac students during a basketball game.
