At-Large Peoria City Council Woman Beth Akeson publicly addressed her recent controversial tweets. Akeson tweeted she would not support the Black Lives Matter movement because of its divisiveness and also that those “ill-equipped” should not have children to reduce crime. But Akeson's apology and the rest of her statement wasn't enough for some. Peoria Public Radio's Tanya Koonce reports:
The Peoria City Hall meeting room where Akeson addressed the matter was standing-room-only.
“It saddens me that my remarks were viewed as being against or unsupportive of black americans. That was not my intention and I understand how these could have been misconstrued from my intended message. For that I am truly sorry.”
But after her formal statement and news media questions, one person in the audience questioned whether Akeson was fit to remain in office because of the tweets. Akeson says she is very fit to remain in the role.
“Because I have a history to be and a reputation as being one one the most prepared when I come to a [city council] meeting.”
Her answer was interrupted. One audience member said, “But you missed a major movement....!”
Akeson responded, “Well, okay so, I’ve said, I made a mistake and I will do my best to learn more about it. What more can I offer than that?”
Akeson says she’s met with people who were disappointed and angry about her tweets. She says going forward they will put together a town hall meeting to foster a broader a community conversation on systemic race based problems.