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At Tuesday’s Board of Ethics hearing — where Bangor City Councilor Wayne Mallar was himself the subject — his comments were caught on microphone:
“As far as I’m concerned, they get no increase … They don’t speak English, write English, or read English. It’s not a disability. … They’re probably all illegals anyway.”
He was talking about children.
I believe someone who speaks about children with such contempt doesn’t deserve to represent us. These comments call into question for me every vote he has ever cast on social issues in this city. I am embarrassed to be represented by someone who holds such beliefs — and willing to voice them while acting in his official capacity.
Consider: How would we react if a request for budget increases to aid our aging population was met with, “They get no increase. They’re probably almost dead anyway”? The cruelty is the same.
Councilor Mallar should feel ashamed. But someone who talks this way about children perhaps doesn’t have shame in the first place. If not for the comments directly, I believe the staggering lack of judgment it takes to make them while serving in an official role should disqualify him.
I am demanding that Councilor Mallar resign from his council seat, effective immediately. He has no business serving as a councilor.
Mitchell Cooper
Bangor
