Scott residents ask commissioner to resign for health secretary comments

A group of Scott Township residents have penned a letter asking Commissioner Paul Abel to resign for his recent public comments about the state health secretary’s gender.

The letter, from a newly formed group called Building Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, also includes a list of demands the township must enact “to restore public trust in our elected officials.”

Abel’s comments were made during the June 9 board meeting conducted on Zoom.

During an exchange with another board member about plans to reopen the municipal swimming pool, Abel said, “I tell you, I am tired of listening to a guy dressed up like a woman,” in reference to Dr. Rachel Levine, who is transgender.

More than 200 Scott residents signed the letter to the board. Another 236 people from outside the township also signed the document in support.

“The vitriolic words, spoken by Mr. Paul Abel, commissioner for Ward 6 and vice president of the Scott Township Board of Commissioners have cut deep within the Scott Township Community,” petitioners wrote in the letter.

“Although the board issued an apology on behalf of Mr. Abel days later, members of the Scott Township community are dissatisfied with this apology.”

Abel did not return several telephone messages on Tuesday seeking comment.

The letter from the group also chastised Abel for failing to represent “all constituents.”

“There is no room for marginalizing any population you represent,” they wrote. “When the bully pulpit is used to bully, it is time to step aside and allow someone who is focused on true, unbiased leadership to step up for our community.”

In addition to Abel stepping down, members of the group issued the following demands:

• Restore the public’s trust in elected officials by increasing the board’s awareness through their participation in leadership diversity and inclusion training with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community

• Commit to ongoing diversity and inclusion training throughout their term in office

• Provide diversity and inclusion training for the township manager and solicitor

Additional action called for in the letter includes passing an LGBTQ+ non-discrimination ordinance that extends civil rights protections to people based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The group wants the township to establish an Equal Opportunity Board to “initiate, receive, investigate and pass upon complaints charging unlawful discriminatory practices” that occur in the township.

Commissioner William Wells, who represents Ward 2, said he “has no problem” with being required to attend diversity and inclusion training as well as adopting other measure to improve relations with the community.

“It’s unfortunate that (Abel) flapped his gums the way he did,” Wells said, noting that the board of commissioners has no power to remove one of its members.

“I certainly don’t care what a person’s gender is,” he said. “I accept people for who they are.”