Norman councilman issues apology for profane language in meeting
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) - It was during the contentious conversation Tuesday night surrounding the Norman North Park development when a Norman councilmember could be heard cursing at the crowd.
"That's the motion guys... f******g a******s," said Councilmember Matt Peacock, quietly under his breath. The words were picked up by microphone.
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The meeting was about the discussed tax increment financing (TIF) district funding a nearly $230 million arena at University North Park. The vote will go before the public unless the courts shot it down.
On Tuesday night, the council voted 6-3 in favor of the proposed TIF district on the ballot on August 27 or on November 5.
But before that happened, Councilmember Peacock proposed a July date to motion for an election and that's when the crowd erupted.
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While on a hot microphone Councilmember Peacock used vulgar language seemingly aimed at the crowd.
The next day he issued an apology on several Facebook pages:
"I’m sorry.
My comments on Tuesday night were unacceptable, and there is nothing that I can say to justify them. I realize very clearly how inappropriate they were and how they did not reflect the professionalism and respect that I strive to uphold. The public has placed a great deal of faith in me to represent them with integrity and honor, and I failed massively at that.
I realize that there are a lot of people mad at me for those comments, but there is no one more mad at me than myself. I let a moment of frustration turn into a moment of weakness, and cause me to act in a way that goes against my character and my DNA. I embarrassed the office that I hold, and offended the people that I represent. I messed up. I own that and deeply regret that lapse in judgement. Not because it was heard, but because it’s not who I am. I am better than that, and you deserve better than that.
I have spent the past four years trying to build bridges, and find common ground with those that disagree with each other. What happened on Tuesday night undermines all of that work, and I am having a real hard time coming to terms with that. I have no one to blame but myself, and realize that there are mountains to climb in order to get back what I broke. Again, you deserve better and I’m committed to doing better.
I don’t expect any of this to undo what happened, and I know that those words are something that I will have to live with. All I can really say is that I will not let the pain from this experience be in vain, and I will learn and grow, using this as a lesson to become a better human. I sincerely hope that you can find a way to give me grace in my lowest moments, so that we can move forward, together."
Matt Peacock, Councilmember Ward 8
This would be the one of the biggest TIF proposed in the state.
At the meeting Tuesday, those who spoke at public comment were mostly against the idea, arguing that it wouldn't be a money maker for the city.