A lot has been made recently over a comment I made over four years ago on social media. Social media posts are often unproductive and even more often devoid of intent – as most reading them have never met or spoken to the author.

In the past few weeks I’ve spoken with, and been willing to speak with, many people. From the County Chair of the Republican Party to members of the Jackson Republican Club that are Orthodox Jews. I’ve made it clear that the comments I made are not in any way anti-Semitic and, in fact, were meant to be supportive of them as residents of Jackson. I would like to reiterate that clarification to all Orthodox residents of Jackson.

I made a comment mocking those who thought we should keep any group of people out of a public park, a comment that was so absurd it couldn’t be considered anything but absurd and mocking. I presumed it would make a clear point that it was wrong to exclude anyone for any reason. I was wrong, very wrong. I fully understand how easily my words could appear to be hurtful.

I regret that I chose a way of expression that was so easily misconstrued. I regret that these comments affected members of the Republican Organization, especially our Orthodox members, as it did. To them I can only say that I am sorry.