Let me start by saying that most of the people in New Auburn are decent, loving, friendly and forgiving. That being said, I believe that the majority of us are not happy with the treatment of Leroy Walker.

He made a mistake, he apologized and he should be forgiven. It concerns me that some of the Auburn city councilors so quick to accuse him of being racist are now trying to get rid of him.

Leroy is not racist, but he’s human. To all of those trying to get him fired, be very careful. They might be the next target. We live in a society of “woke” culture. It’s in our schools, it’s in our neighborhoods, it’s all around us. Our free speech is constantly challenged.

People should remember this before we lose it. “Freedom of speech,” also called free speech, means the free and public expression of opinions without censorship, interference and restraint by the government. The term “freedom of speech” embedded in the First Amendment encompasses the decision of what to say as well as what not to say.

For years Leroy has worked for our community and we, the residents of New Auburn, still support him.

We wish him well and we hope he doesn’t resign. His heart is in helping this community and that commitment can’t be replaced.

Anita St. Germain, New Auburn