A Nelson city councillor has made a public apology after he was caught using an inappropriate word in a Facebook post.
Keith Page, who was elected to his first term on council last fall, used a derogatory term for people with special needs while wishing a personal friend happy birthday on Jan. 30.
An online backlash ensued, which prompted Page to write a mea culpa on Saturday.
“Personally I was held back in elementary, struggled with speech and literacy problems and worked with teachers aids outside of class till I left elementary. I’ve been called this word and of all people I needed to hold myself to a higher standard,” wrote Page.
“To those I hurt I am sorry and I hope will forgive me.”
See below for the full apology.