The president of the school board in New York’s Putnam County is in hot water after a remarkably stupid gaffe he made at a community meeting in April.
Not realizing the mic on the table in front of him was not only on but actually airing his remarks live on local TV and online, Ray Cote referred to a parent across the room as “Chubby-wubby.” Presumably, this elicited an odd look from whoever he was talking to, because he went on to defend himself, saying, “Seriously. She gets fatter and fatter every meeting. She really does.”
The mother who originally noticed and publicized the comments, expressed the sentiment that many others felt, too…
It totally tells us that he cares nothing for the community that he says he upholds. Nothing. He cares nothing for us.
Cote has been president of the board since 2011, but as of yesterday evening is no longer. Due to overwhelming pressure from area parents, he resigned and withdrew his candidacy for re-election.
Two lessons to be learned here…
1. Don’t be a rude jerk.
2. Make sure you’re not talking into a microphone when you’re saying something private.
In a bind, rule #1 will work just fine all by itself.