A New York school board president resigned after he was caught describing a female parent as "chubby wubby" on an open microphone, sparking community outrage, NBC News reported.
Ray Cote made the offensive remarks during a Mahopac school board meeting last month, the Journal News reported. The incident was videotaped and broadcast on a local cable access station and live streamed online.
After less people started showing up to board meetings in the small town of Mahopac in Putnam County, about 60 miles north of New York City, a trustee approached Cote to investigate the situation, according to the News.
"Oh, I know, I know. This one here, 'Chubby wubby.' She gets fatter and fatter at every meeting. She really does," Cote is heard saying in a videotape of last month's meeting.
Resident Deena Bell heard the offending comments from last month's public meeting and posted video of the event on YouTube.
"It totally tells us that he cares nothing for the community that he says he upholds," Bell told WABC-TV. "Nothing. He cares nothing for us."
The woman Cote was referring to is a mother of six, a former school trustee told the Journal News. She has volunteered with the district for 10 years.
Cote announced his resignation on Tuesday. Stepping down from his post, he apologized in a statement read aloud at the meeting, New York Daily News reported.
He has also withdrawn his candidacy for reelection to the school board.
"I would like to apologize for my choice of words after the close of the board meeting on April 8, 2014, which are regretful," he said. "My words were inappropriate and do not reflect my feelings or attitudes. I will strive to regain the trust and respect of the community."
Cote's apology was accepted by the school board in a reciprocatory statement Tuesday.
"We are disappointed by and do not condone this lapse in judgment on the part of Mr. Cote," the board said. "The Board of Education expects all of its members and meeting participants and attendees to act in a respectful manner"
