A controversy has been brewing in Manitowoc since early this week when County Board Supervisor Don Zimmer criticized a Manitowoc alderwoman for attending a Black Lives Matter rally in the city recently.
Many have called for Zimmer to step-down from his position. It prompted a number of calls Friday morning on WOMT’s Open-Mike program.
One caller commented, “We’re supposed to have freedom of speech. Ms Hanson has a right to do what she wants. Mr. Zimmer has the right to say what he wants. I want people to know, 90 to 95% of the people in this area don’t care what you look like or who your mate is.”
Another individual said he feels like, “One of the things that is not allowed is to criticize blacks or their organization.”
One caller supported Zimmer’s right to say whatever he wants, but feels like he “made a blank out of himself.” The man went on to say that “If he wants to express his opinions like that, he will have to pay the price.”
A female caller suggested that Zimmer read up on how our country was founded, and the struggle that African Americans had to go through. She also suggested everyone “Just be kind to one another.”
Zimmer’s statements involved alderwoman Courtney Pelot-Hansen during a community input session at last week’s City Council meeting.
