Mayor of Brazoria drops proposed N-word ordinance

(1/25/07 - KTRK/BRAZORIA, TX) (KTRK) -- There's been a lot of talk ever since the mayor of Brazoria County wanted to fine people for using a racial slur.

That slur was the "N-word" and he wanted it outlawed. Violators could face a $500 fine, but his proposal faced a lot of opposition at a public meeting.

On the corner of Highway 36 and Mulberry, you'll find the "N-word" in black and white -- along with local plumber John Corder's feelings about it.

"I don't use it, never have used it," he said.

But he thinks a law against using it is ridiculous.

"It's a mystery in a way, why do we need it," Corder asked. "We don't need it in Brazoria."

Mayor Ken Corley came up with the idea of banning the word and fining those who use it $500.

"I want the city of Brazoria to take a leadership role for the nation and try to stop the use of racial slurs," said the mayor.

He found out quickly not many agree with him.

"If you don't remove this, I'm gonna publicly ask for your resignation from the city of Brazoria," said resident Bill Lott to the mayor during the meeting.

"Let's be truthful, I use the word. I'm sorry, I do," said resident Saylaio Dunlap. "I don't use it in a racial way. I don't use it to hurt nobody."

"What about Hispanics, what about Asians," asked resident Melvin Johnson. "Why should this be focused on just the N-word?"

Brazoria is a city of 2,800 people, fewer than 300 are black. This is essentially a small town getting big city attention for a purported problem residents say never existed. That's why the mayor dropped the proposal and why John Corder's sign spoke volumes without ever saying the word.

Despite getting a lot of heated criticism during the two hour meeting, afterwards the mayor got a round of applause. Some residents said he did what few politicians do these days. He listened to his constituents and actually changed his mind.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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