Official refuses to resign in wake of Facebook post

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The black community wants Poplar Bluff Ward 5 Councilman Peter Tinsley to resign for posting an offensive caricature of President Barack Obama on his Facebook page, but he refused Tuesday night.

For the second consecutive council meeting, the Rev. Tommy Robinson, pastor of the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, addressed the council during the public comment period.

"The community at large has stated to us at a meeting they have lost trust in the councilman of our ward," Robinson said. "We cannot move forward and have a peaceful resolution unless Councilman Tinsley steps down. We feel our ward cannot be represented appropriately."

Robinson told Tinsley to "do the right thing and step down."

Councilman Johnny Brannum said Mayor Angela Pearson and Mayor Pro Tem Jack Rushin instructed Tinsley to attend a racial sensitivity class, which he did recently.

Robinson said his phone "never stopped ringing" even after Tinsley apologized and pulled the caricature off his Facebook page Aug. 18.

"This is not going to go away," Robinson said.

Tinsley responded by saying, "I have apologized for my actions."

Then he cited his volunteer work with Red Cross and the Methodist Church.

"I stand with my service to the community as a Christian," Tinsley said. "I respect each and everyone of you. There is no reason for me to step down."

Robinson said, "The community trust has been violated."

He said he hoped Tinsley would resign, but warned the community would consider "going to the next legal and appropriate level" if he did not.

Apparently an effort to recall Tinsley will be undertaken. Tinsley was elected to a three-year term in April. He defeated Councilman Robert Smith.

Pearson and Rushin supported Tinsley.

"Mr. Tinsley made a terrible mistake. I do not feel he meant to hurt anyone in his ward," Pearson said. "I'm not going to ask him to resign. That is his decision."

She said she "wants the community to heal. We don't need to be fighting and bickering."

Rushin said "a person should be looked at with respect for the work he has done throughout his life. I never judge a person on a single event."