KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — An activist group called Pro Kzoo is saying County Commissioner John Gisler made racist comments at Tuesday’s County Board meeting on their Facebook page. They say people should contact him and let him know how they feel.
Gisler said more African Americans are coming out of prison, because more commit crimes. That may be statistically true, but there are reasons for that statistic that make it racially charged. Gisler says he was misunderstood.
Gisler, who likes to wear shirts that look like American Flags, just didn’t see how race was relevant in a resolution supporting a group that helps inmates returning from prison.
Chair Dale Shugars expressed discomfort about what Gisler said, suggesting it wasn’t that Gisler was misunderstood, but rather that he misunderstands.
Commissioner Kevin Wordleman offered to take him out to lunch to explain how systemic racism works.
The resolution will be on the Board’s next agenda.
