CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. (WSIL) -- The City of Cape Girardeau is expected to discuss new training for appointed officials following a hot mic incident at a public meeting last week.
Two commissioners were discussing their personal views on the Black Lives Matter movement prior to the July 8th City Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
The city went to social media to apologize.
"We are incredibly sorry for anyone hurt or offended by a personal conversation among a few appointed individuals," the statement read in part.
They pointed out the the personal conversation took place before the meeting started and were their own views.
"The remarks do not represent the City of Cape Girardeau Municipal Government, its Planning & Zoning Commission, the Cape Vision 2040 land use plan or our ONECAPE values."
The City Council and management staff is expecting to discussing "diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-bias training" for all boards and commissions at an upcoming Council retreat "to ensure those who volunteer their time on advisory boards do so in a manner that reflects the ONECAPE values of the City of Cape Girardeau."
Some citizens weighing in online called for the board members' resignations or removal.
"This apology means nothing if these individuals aren’t let go of their positions immediately," Emily Hayden said.
Others like Kystal Lovett pointed out "this is not an apology� this is a carefully crafted (and worded) denial of responsibility."
D.J. Trapp defended the members personal comments that BLM is a Marxist organization.
"The members merely repeated what has been promoted by BLM. What we are witnessing is Constitutional oppression within the government to ban members from expressing concerns that are deeply dividing everyone," Trapp posted in part.
Renita Green used the incident to call on citizens to get involved, go to meetings and volunteer on commissions and committees.
"We need people who have head and heart for the work. Please let this outrage be your call to action," she posted.
The city posted an edited meeting video that did not include the audio in question. The apology posted by the city was not signed by anyone individual at the city.
