Residents, Activists React to Mayor Hagen’s ‘Final’ Statement

For the first and last time, Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen is addressing his comment about President Obama being Muslim. 

In what he calls his last and official statement on the issue, Mayor Hagen, Wednesday, said he quote “momentarily overlooked that I am not simply U.S. Citizen Bruce Hagen.  I am also a citizen who has been elected to represent the people of Superior.  Unfortunately both intertwined.” 

Despite many calls for his resignation, Mayor Hagen is very clear he will not resign, but will not seek public office again after his term ends in 2019. 

The statement comes after Hagen commented on a photo of First Lady Michelle Obama saying “Unbelievable! She and her Muslim partner have destroyed the democracy that was so very hard fought for.”

In light of the comments, several groups are calling for a retraction, an apology and a resignation. If that doesn’t happen.. 

“The main action we are considering right now is an economic boycott of any and all activities and events sponsored by the Mayor and his office,” said Community Activist Kym Young. 

Activists with Superior African Heritage Community are holding a press conference Monday that they say could lead to a protest and shutdown of traffic and business to City Hall.. something police say is prohibited and could lead to arrests. 

“At this point, in civil disobedience that is always a possibility when you are protesting against a perceived injustice,” said Young. 

Meanwhile, Hagen says he was exercising his freedom of speech. Some in the community side with the Mayor. 

“I think the mayor has a right to his own opinion and i think they’re making way too big of a fuss over his comment. Maybe he shouldn’t have said it over facebook, but he still as a right to his opinion,” said Superior Resident Gerald Larson. 

“He takes care of the people here. He’s right. I think people are blowing this way out of proportion,” said Superior resident Jim Beckwell. 

While others disagree…

“somebody who is supposed to work across county lines like that, shouldn’t say such stupid, bigoted things,” said Dan Bartick. 

“I’m ashamed. I’m ashamed of what he said. I’m ashamed it came from a leader of this community, and I’m very disheartened,” said Young. 

Mayor Hagen stands by his comment, saying his respect for the office of President is “unwavering”, but he disagrees with the current occupant of the highest office. 

This is the final time he will speak on the topic.

The activists plan to hold their news conference Monday at 8 a.m. outside of Superior City Hall. 

Meanwhile, Superior Police Chief Nicholas Alexander issued a statement about the possible protests, saying actions that block or obstruct access to City Hall for employees and the public will not be tolerated. 

Police will not hesitate to arrest people if they are violent, abusive, or provoking a disturbance. 

Alexander says he has reached out to one of the demonstration organizers in hopes of avoiding a conflict.