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Mayor Of Clay, West Va. Resigns Over Racist Michelle Obama FB Post, City Council Apologizes On Behalf Of Town

CLAY, W.Va. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- As a small West Virginia community tries to move past the backlash of a racist Facebook post that targeted first lady Michelle Obama, a council member had some inviting words for outsiders who look down on her town.

Clay Mayor Beverly Whaling resigned Tuesday. The resignation came after Clay County Development Corp. director Pamela Ramsey Taylor, whose post Whaling responded to, was placed on leave.

Taylor made the post following Donald Trump's election as president, saying: "It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I'm tired of seeing a Ape in heels."

Whaling responded: "Just made my day Pam."

Council member Jason Hubbard issued a brief statement condemning the "horrific" post and said "racial intolerance isn't what this community is about." He apologized on behalf of the town to anyone who is offended, including Michelle Obama.

Another council member Joyce Gibson said, "Spend a day with us. If I knew you would come, I would bake a cake. We're very decent people.''

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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