Daniel Pokorney, the mayor of the eastern Oregon college town of La Grande, found himself the target of calls to resign this week. Porkorney made a series of Facebook posts regarding the marriage equality votes in the Washington and New Jersey legislatures. As reported by the Oregonian, his posts included:
"Well, New Jersey continues the abomination of same-sex unions. Hopefully the governor will veto the bill." (Feb. 16)
"Washington State. The latest state to transition to Sodom and Gomorrah. The attack on the marriage between a woman and a man continues." (Feb. 8)
When the community found out about his posts, the response was quick and decisive. An online petition demanding his resignation quickly garnered 800 signatures. The town of 13,000 suddenly had national recognition it did not want as the story hit gay rights blogs.
Admitting that he underestimated the power of public statements on the Internet, Porkorney offered a public apology. He held a standing-room only meeting at Eastern Oregon University, located in La Grande. While most attendees agree that his apology was sincere and appropriate, they agree that the proof will be in his future behavior and that as a public official his online comments, no matter how deeply held, reflect on the whole community.
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