An Atlantic City councilman publicly apologized this week for comments encouraging city workers to “spit” on the mayor.
Councilman George Tibbitt made the suggestion while appearing as a guest on Harry Hurley’s morning radio show, “Hurley in the Morning,” on May 3, addressing child abuse chargesfiled against Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., 50, and his wife, La’Quetta Small, 47, the city’s superintendent of schools.
“Everyone of you should be pissed and spit on him when you see him,” Tibbitt said.
Allies of the mayor denounced Tibbitt’s statements during the public portion of Wednesday’s City Council meeting, looking directly at the councilman.
Floyd Tally, a leader of the city’s anti-violence efforts, urged the governing body to intervene. Marty Small Sr. was seated within feet of Tally when he addressed the comments.
“That was way far overboard,” Tally said. “Do you understand what kind of frenzy that could have if somebody actually took you for your word? That’s like saying shoot the man when you see him.”
“You are correct, and I immediately apologized for saying it to the public,” Tibbitt replied, calling the broadcasted comments a “figure of speech.”
Tally suggested the governing body reprimand Tibbitt by removing him from the council.
Ahmid A. Abdullah Sr., the city’s assistant director of Public Works, also rose to address Tibbitt, condemning the councilman for associating his department in his comments, calling it “very alarming and very disrespectful.
“You think that low of us?” Abdullah asked. “You think we’re beneath you that you can uprise us to go spit on a mayor? You wouldn’t say that to the police and fire, to go spit on somebody.”
As with Tally, Tibbitt rebutted swiftly.
“I can’t do no more than say I said something I shouldn’t have and accept the responsibility,” Tibbitt said, adding that he immediately warned the public against doing so.
Marty Small Sr. did not address the issue during the meeting. Both he and Tibbitt have documented political quarrels in recent years.
The Smalls were scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday for a first appearance, but those hearings were waived, court officials said. They are next due in court on June 17.
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Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.
