Around 120 people joined the Muskegon County board meeting on Tuesday evening. County Commissioner Zach Lahring was a controversial topic during the public commentary period, as dozens of callers demanding responsibility be taken regarding a slew of what they deemed discriminatory and racist social media posts by Lahring.
"I am a mother of three Black sons and a Black husband which I fear walking out of my house every single day," community member Destinee Keenersaid, "especially having a commissioner in which I would believe if I looked far enough in his closet I’d find a white cloak and hood just based off of what he stands for on his social media.”
One of the commissioner's most recent posts that drew backlash featured an image of a bowling ball and pins which was captioned, "BAM (Bowling alleys matter) Using coloured ball's to knock over redneck white pins."
The phone zap was organized by a local social justice group, By Any Means Necessary (BAM), calling for Lahring’s immediate resignation.
“This is not a person that should be representing Muskegon County or be involved in the decision making with a community full of BIPOC individuals," Ationza Smith, head of the organization said.
During the more than hour-long public commentary, other community members came to Lahring's defense.
"He is not a racist, number one. Let's get that straight," Dalton Township Trustee Kerry Knight said, "...He's very, very accepting over everybody...His humor is different I understand that… we live in America, people. We have the right to speak our mind.”
Another caller, said "They all use the word racist and I don’t think any of them know what the word racist means. It’s really just a form of reverse racism."
County Officials saw divide on the issue as well. Both Commissioners Charles Nash and Marcia Hovey-Wright denounced Lahring's posts and behavior.
"I too would love to see him resign or at least make an apology to the people of this community for his behavior, but until that's done I don't want to get to know Mr. Lahring. I just have to work with him," Nash said.
Commissioner Malinda Pego came to Lahring's defense saying "Assuming that several of us are Christians on this board. As Christians we're called to be salt in the world and unfortunately many of us have lost our saltiness and I appreciate Commissioner Lahring's saltiness."
Lahing didn't speak directly to the allegations of racism and discrimination during the meeting, but posted on Facebook, "I will resign if Charles and Marcia resign. 3 for 1 with an apology if Bob (Board Chairman) will resign also."
WGVU reached out to Lahring for a statement and are awaiting a response.