Despite growing pressure to resign, Henrietta Town Supervisor Jack Moore is remaining steadfast in his refusal to step down amid an ethics controversy.
Moore apologized for making comments that many find offensive. He was seen on a video recording making a racial reference to "city cousins" receiving "Obamacare" (coverage under the Affordable Care Act) while talking with a town employee.
Timothy Kneeland, political professor at Nazareth College, says Moore has lost the confidence of his employees and his political supporters.
"His leadership is really troubled by the fact that he was to be the Republican candidate again. He's up for re-election this year. They would like him to withdraw because they don't think he's going to be effective. I'm sure they're very concerned about him losing because of these comments he's made," Kneeland said.
A number of Henrietta residents spoke at a town board meeting last night. Many were critical of Moore, but there were a handful of supporters.
Moore did not make any comments beyond the statement he released earlier in the day on Wednesday.
Kneeland said it will be difficult for Moore to operate functionally as town supervisor, despite his apology for his remarks and the fact that he underwent diversity training.
"He sounds a little more combatant than, shall we say, sorrowful. I think that's something that the people in the Town of Henrietta are looking at. His behavior is an example of what we call 'micro-aggression'. He seemed to be oblivious to the fact that the way he was speaking or behaving was the part of a racist mindset."
