Smiths Falls Councillor Jay Brennan has apologized for remarks made following the conclusion of Monday night’s council meeting.
Lanarkleedstoday.ca became aware of the remarks made by Brennan, targeting an unspecified individual, and reached out to Brennan for comment.
The exchange, which has since been removed by Town of Smiths Falls staff from the recording, occurred as the meeting concluded and the livestream switched over from council chambers to the town logo with outro music playing in behind.
Brennan, who attended the meeting remotely and was seemingly unaware his microphone was still on, is heard laughing before asking another individual, “Believe that [indistinct]?” to which they replied, “I really can’t believe him.”
Brennan said in response, “Stephen actually texted me, he said ‘What the f***?’ I said, ‘That fu**** should be shot and pis**d on.'”
Brennan did not confirm if the texts were to fellow Councillor Stephen Robinson, or who the remarks were towards.
“I would like to apologize to anyone who heard the comment I made after [Monday] night’s Council meeting,” Brennan wrote in a statement to lanarkleedstoday.ca.
“It was unintentional but I understand how it may have been perceived and I regret it. As an elected official, I know my words matter. I take that responsibility seriously and will be more mindful moving forward. My focus remains on serving the residents of Smiths Falls respectfully and doing the work our community expects of us.”
Requests for comment from Robinson were not returned by the publishing deadline.
A censored version of the clip can be found below.
Story by Grant Deme
