As Mayor Madden kicks off his new campaign, he is also calling on a Republican City Councilman to resign, after a report he used racist language.
The Albany Times Union released the story just before the weekend, publishing the text of the 12-second voicemail from Councilman Mark McGrath, left three years ago.
The message twice contained the use of racist language against black people.
"That f---ing n----r. F---ing c--n f--k," McGrath said according to the Times Union. He continued, "Hey ... it's Mark McGrath, give me a call, will ya?"
The Times Union says the recording did not seem to be targeted at the indiivdual McGrath had called, and explained it was "unclear" if McGrath was speaking to himself or someone in the room.
"When he realizes he is being recorded, he simply asks for the person to call him back and hangs up," Times Union said.
Spectrum News spoke to Councilman McGrath on the phone Sunday. He apologized for the anti-black language, and says he does not remember what the call was about.
He also clarified that he has yet to make a decision on if he will step down.
McGrath represents the city's northern District 2. Troy Mayor Patrick Madden issued the following statement Friday:
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the use of hateful and racist language in all its forms. We cannot, and will not, turn a blind eye to the ugliness of racism and bigotry which seeks to divide our community. It is difficult to believe that an elected official would harbor such feelings about their neighbors and fellow residents, and there is no excuse for use of this type of damaging language. If the Councilman made these statements he should step down immediately. The residents of Troy deserve to be represented by someone who respects them, no matter their race, creed, or color,” Madden said.
The Times Union says McGrath "dismissed" Madden's suggestion.
"He's not going to tell me I ought to resign. I was duly elected and I made a mistake — certainly a big mistake," McGrath said according to the Times Union.
