“Inexcusable Insensitivity” - Pawtucket Councilman Accused of Sexist, Racist Behavior Apologizes
GoLocalProv News Team and Kate Nagle
“Inexcusable Insensitivity” - Pawtucket Councilman Accused of Sexist, Racist Behavior Apologizes
“The sad fact of the matter is that my comments did disrespect and embarrass Councilwoman Vasquez. There is no question — and for that I am truly sorry,” said Wildenhain in his delivered remarks.
More than 50 people packed the City Council chamber to speak out both against Wildenhain for his remarks — as well as in support of the Councilman for his work in the community.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIn a letter sent by Vasquez to Council President David Moran in December immediately following the incident, she had called on Moran to “condemn the aggression” committed by Wildenhain.
Vasquez spoke with GoLocal following the meeting — and apology.
“I’m glad he apologized. That’s all I asked for,” said Vasquez. “I’m not sure how sincere he was. I hope he understands the severity of what he did. I’m looking forward to putting this behind us.”
“I hope this serves as a lesson moving forward — we need to be better individuals, representing our constituents better. I know there was talk about diversity training. There’s room for growth,” she added.
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Public Heard
In the Council chambers on Wednesday, more than half of the room were Pawtucket residents who turned out to support Wildenhain.
“First and foremost, I can’t explain what Councilman Wildenhain means to my family, friends and I,” said Bernadino Ramos, who said he was born and raised in Pawtucket and Central Falls. “He continues to deliver and serve his friends and community at such a high magnitude.”
Ramos said that growing up, he considers Wildenhain a father figure, that his own son now sees Wildenhain as a grandfather, calling him “Opa.”
“Most of you who heard of the situation are banking on words — and truly that hurts,” said Ramos. “You truly don’t understand what Mark has done or our community — and that’s actions.”
Joseph Molina Flynn, the President of the Rhode Island Political Action Committee, who has spoken out previously against Wildenhain’s remarks, spoke at the hearing on Wednesday.
“I want to thank [the council] for this opportunity for this discourse. As I look to Mr. Wildenhain’s family, I see a number of my friends — this is not personal. I’d rather not have awkward tension with my friends over this type of discourse. As a Colombian, when [Vasquez] said she was offended — and then Mr. Wildenhain said he didn’t mention Colombia but Mexico — does that make it better?”
“Telling [people] what kind of apology they should receive and how they should have received the comments is no way to move forward,” said Molina Flynn.
“This council should reflect the community,” said Molina Flynn. “We should encourage citizens to come and tell the city council what is affecting them.”
Wildenhain Apology
"I strongly believe our work tonight cannot happen effectively without first taking a moment to address everything. At our fall Christmas gathering…I made a comment to Councilwoman Vasquez that showed inexcusable insensitivity and I’d like each of you to know, especially Councilor Vasquez that I honestly did not do that with bad intention or intended disrespect. I know that’s difficult for some to accept but it’s the truth.
Regardless of my intent, the sad fact of the matter is that I did say something that I should not have done or said. And the sad fact of the matter is that my comments did disrespect and embarrass Councilwoman Vasquez. There is no question — and for that I am truly sorry. I was sorry the next morning, and I’ve been sorry each day since.
I cannot go back in time and unring that bell. I can only do what I am going to do now in front of everyone here, and offer my sincerest apologies. I pledge to do better and be better. I’d also like to apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions and each of my council colleagues and casting a negative shadow on this body. I have always taken pride in how the council operates and how each member conducts themselves, myself included. The Pawtucket City Council has always been the standard, and I apologize to you for tarnishing that standing and dragging you needlessly into my mess.
Finally, I recognize that forgiveness for a moment of insensitivity like this is complicated. I would just like Councilor Vasquez and my colleagues to know that I welcome the opportunity to sit and talk and answer any questions that you might have, if you feel it would be productive."