LANSING, Mich. — The Ingham County Democratic Party has asked Lansing City Councilman Brandon Betz to consider resigning after Betz sent profane and combative text messages to Black activist and former firefighter Michael Lynn Jr.
“He needs to consider that perhaps City Council is not the position for him,” said Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope, who chairs the Ingham County Democratic Party.
Betz did not respond to requests for comment.
The request comes less than two weeks after other members of the City Council censured Betz for the text conversation.
“He said some really uncalled-for things that could be interpreted as racially motivated,” Swope said.
Swope said Betz calling Lynn names and belittling him for having “less power” was unprofessional.
While Betz apologized to the council, Swope said he made things worse by not apologizing to Lynn and to the public.
“When you’re in public servant, stepping away from things that you have done is just not the right option,” he said.
On the day after the text conversation took place, Lynn said, "Obviously, Brandon is going through some kind of crisis right now. This is not behavior of someone who gets elected to an official position.”
Betz has been quiet on his social media accounts since the incident. Swope is hoping Betz makes the best decision for him.
“We’re saying think about it, and make the choice that’s right for you and your constituents,” Swope said.
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