Mayor resigns after revelation of racist "joke" messages, allegedly called "Old Black People", "Antique Farm Equipment"

Lewiston, Maine Mayor Shane Bouchard resigned Friday, days after racist text messages were sent to him. According to him, the "old blacks" would be "antique farm equipment".

The charges were made at a meeting on March 5 by Heather Everly Berube, who said he sent emails to Bouchard during his campaign to help him win. Bérubé revealed messages between her and Bouchard that contained the racist comments, the Lewiston Sun Journal reported.

At Friday morning's conference, former mayor Shane Bouchard said that after "rumors" about him began to spread earlier in the week, he had received "overwhelming" support to "stand up and fight" against these allegations. Bouchard said that he would, but not the mayor's position.

"This is not fair to the people of Lewiston, and I firmly believe that this fight will be better conducted as a citizen." I made this decision with deep consideration for what is best for my business and my family.Please consider this formal notice that I am resigning my mayor position, "said Bouchard at a press conference on Friday.

He said that he would work with the new Mayor Kristin Cloutier on the transition.

Bouchard is accused of claiming that the GOP meeting was a meeting of Klu Klux Klan and alleged that the "old blacks" were "antique farm equipment". Lewiston Sun Journal reported. Bouchard is also the subject of an investigation by the Lewiston Police Department and the Maine Attorney General's Office for his alleged involvement in criminal activities, the Lewiston Sun Journal reported.

The City of Lewiston Confirmed Bouchard's Resignation Newsweek and stated that after his resignation, Kristen S. Cloutier, Lewiston Chair, would assume the role of mayor.

"It has been a tough week for Lewiston," said Mayor Cloutier at Friday's conference. "I assure you that I will do my best to represent the city of Lewiston and its people as best as I have always done.My election is an immense honor, a great responsibility and you have my full commitment", she said. before sending his best wishes to Bouchard and his family.

Shane Bouchard has resigned as mayor of Lewiston, Maine. City of Lewiston