A city official in Deltona, Fla., who gave a presentation that contained a racial euphemism considered derogatory will keep her job despite several requests that she be terminated for the alleged slur, according to a Local 6 News report.
Last month, Deltona City spokeswoman Jeannine Gage was giving a presentation to the media that included some jokes about the city.
Some of the jokes in the presentation included phony city announcements, including one read by Gage announcing a fictitious mud-wrestling competition in the city. The competition was titled Hicks versus a derogatory name for Hispanics that rhymes with Hicks.
Former city Commissioner Joe Perez said he listened in shock as Gage talked about two Hispanic leaders wrestling two other city officials who are white.
"I tried to stay as professional as I could and brought it to the attention of the mayor," Perez said.
Since the statement was made, members of the Hispanic community have called for Gage's resignation.
"To me, nothing short of total dismissal is acceptable for this lady," Deltona resident Patrick Perger said.
A group of angry residents met with the Deltona mayor and city manager demanding that Gage be fired. However, Thursday, it was announced that Gage will remain on the job as city spokeswoman.
Gage offered an apology for her words. She said she was only hoping for some laughs when she made the comment.
"The last thing I am is a bigot," Gage said. "One of my problems is that I think I'm a comedian. It was all jokes. Nothing that came out of my mouth that day was serious. It was just for fun."
Gage will make a formal public apology at the next City Council meeting.
"My only intention is to do well for this city, to do good things for this city, including all of our residents of all kinds," Gage said
Last month, Deltona City spokeswoman Jeannine Gage was giving a presentation to the media that included some jokes about the city.
Some of the jokes in the presentation included phony city announcements, including one read by Gage announcing a fictitious mud-wrestling competition in the city. The competition was titled Hicks versus a derogatory name for Hispanics that rhymes with Hicks.
Former city Commissioner Joe Perez said he listened in shock as Gage talked about two Hispanic leaders wrestling two other city officials who are white.
"I tried to stay as professional as I could and brought it to the attention of the mayor," Perez said.
Since the statement was made, members of the Hispanic community have called for Gage's resignation.
"To me, nothing short of total dismissal is acceptable for this lady," Deltona resident Patrick Perger said.
A group of angry residents met with the Deltona mayor and city manager demanding that Gage be fired. However, Thursday, it was announced that Gage will remain on the job as city spokeswoman.
Gage offered an apology for her words. She said she was only hoping for some laughs when she made the comment.
"The last thing I am is a bigot," Gage said. "One of my problems is that I think I'm a comedian. It was all jokes. Nothing that came out of my mouth that day was serious. It was just for fun."
Gage will make a formal public apology at the next City Council meeting.
"My only intention is to do well for this city, to do good things for this city, including all of our residents of all kinds," Gage said
