West Virginia town accepts mayor’s resignation after Facebook post
CHARLESTON, W. Va. (AP) – The Clay, West Virginia, Town Council has accepted the resignation of Mayor Beverly Whaling over her response to a racist post on Facebook about first lady Michelle Obama.
The council accepted Whaling’s resignation Tuesday without voting on the matter and said they plan to move quickly to name a replacement for the remaining three years of her term.
Council member Jason Hubbard issued a brief statement condemning the “horrific” post and said “racial intolerance isn’t what this community is about.” He apologized on behalf of the town to anyone who is offended, including Michelle Obama.
Whaling earlier apologized for her response to a post made by Clay County Development Corp. director Pamela Ramsey Taylor after Republican Donald Trump’s election as president. Taylor’s post said, “It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I’m tired of seeing a Ape in heels.”
Whaling responded: “Just made my day Pam.”
Whaling said earlier she isn’t racist. Taylor hasn’t returned a call seeking comment.