A Texas mayor resigned due to controversial social media posts that made his constituents lazy for complaining about power cuts, according to a report.
Colorado City Mayor Tom Boyd announced his resignation on Tuesday after receiving a reaction for his long rant on Facebook, according to KTXS-TV.
“No one owes you or your family anything; nor is it the responsibility of the local government to support you in difficult times like this! Sink or swim, the choice is yours!” He wrote. “The city and the county, together with the energy suppliers or any other service, owe you nothing!”
“If you don’t have water, you deal with it and think outside the box to survive and provide water for your family,” he added. “If you were sitting at home in the cold because you have no energy and are sitting there waiting for someone to come and rescue you because your laziness is a direct result of your creation!”
“I am sorry that you are dealing without electricity and water; yes! But, damn it, if I am going to support someone who is capable of doing this alone!” Boyd remained at the post. “In short, stop crying and looking for alms! Take the bag and take care of your own family!”
Later, in a separate post, Boyd apologized saying that he was leaving his job as mayor and would not run for re-election.
“I would never want to hurt the elderly or anyone who really needs help being left to fend for themselves,” wrote the former mayor. “I was just making the statement that those people who are too lazy to stand up and defend themselves, but are able, shouldn’t receive alms. I apologize for the verbiage and some of the phrases that were used!”
Texas is battling a strong winter blast that has left millions of residents in the Lone Star State without power.