Charlestown official apologizes for remarks about 'people from Providence'
CHARLESTOWN — A town official who warned about “people from Providence” attending summer events has now issued an apology for the remarks.
In a letter Friday, Emergency Management Agency Director Kevin Gallup reflected on his 42 years of service to the town — which included time as a police officer — and said that the background of those he helped did not matter to him.
“Like everyone, I have blind spots,” Gallup said. “I hope that in my years of service to the town and in my private life I haven’t acted on any biases I may have. In reality I probably have, though, even if in small ways that were never deliberate.”
Gallup's initial comments were made at a Monday meeting during which the Town Council discussed adding food trucks to its summer activities using event planner PVD Food Truck Events. Despite support from locals, the council decided against collaborating with the company.
The background: Charlestown official panned for 'loaded' comments on 'people from Providence'
During the discussion, Gallup said, “If we’re going to have people showing up from Providence and hanging out that we don’t know, along with our children, some people aren’t going to appreciate that, and I can tell you that for a fact. So you’re going to need that police detail.”
The remarks sparked calls for an apology from Providence officials including Mayor Jorge Elorza and Councilman Nicholas Narducci, as well as Charlestown Town Council President Deborah Carney and Vice President Cody Clarkin, who said “those sentiments do not accurately represent the beliefs and values of Charlestown.”
The fallout: Elorza wants Charlestown official to apologize for 'derogatory' remark about Providence
In his letter of apology, Gallup said his comments “highlighted one of my blind spots in a very public way.”
“To really address your failings, you have to first be aware of them, and over the past few days, I’ve been made very aware, first by seeing myself on video, and second from the comments that people have made to me through the media,” Gallup said. “The past week has certainly given me a better, wider way to consider my words and actions. I feel a need to apologize to a number of people, and I will begin with those closest to me.”
Gallup added that his remarks were a poor reflection on his community, and he apologized to Providence and “people of color everywhere for the meaning of my words.”
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Charlestown official apologizes for 'people from Providence' remark
