New Berlin mayor to address criticism for anti-Muslim social media posts
New Berlin Mayor Dave Ament is facing condemnation from the Common Council and residents after sharing anti-Muslim Facebook posts, with calls for his resignation and potential steps for his removal
NEW BERLIN, Wis. —
New Berlin Mayor Dave Ament is under scrutiny after sharing anti-Muslim posts on Facebook, prompting backlash from residents and the Common Council, which is considering formal action against him.
Ament, who has served as mayor for more than 13 years and is currently in his fourth term, reposted content including one message that read, “If you voted for a Muslim for elected office in this country, you are a traitor.”
Residents have expressed their disapproval, with Maureen Smith saying, “He should resign. Simply. It’s not right.”
“Any nationality should feel that they’re welcome here. Anywhere,” resident Donna Maly added.
The New Berlin Common Council is expected to formally condemn Ament’s posts during a meeting Tuesday night. The resolution calls for the mayor to “acknowledge the harm which has been caused, to accept responsibility for his actions and offer a clear and sincere apology.” It also suggests the council may consider a process to remove him from office.
Ament declined an interview Tuesday, citing preparations for the meeting, but issued a statement saying, “It has never been my intention to disparage or offend any individual or group including the Muslim community.”
The controversy has drawn attention beyond Wisconsin, with the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Chicago calling for Ament’s resignation.
“He’s well aware of the people that are in his community. The people that he’s supposed to serve, right? So, the constituents being offended by this is the correct and natural reaction. Because the thing he says about me today could be the thing he says about you tomorrow,” a representative said.
The resolution mentions the process for removing Ament from office, which would resemble a trial and require three-fourths of the council to vote for his removal. However, this process has not yet been proposed. The resolution also reminds the public of the recall process, which allows voters to remove the mayor.
Ament told WISN 12 News Tuesday afternoon that he will be addressing the Common Council during Tuesday night’s meeting.