A Kansas official who told a black woman that he was a member of "Master Race" resigns

After making an inappropriate comment at a board meeting, Leavenworth County Commissioner Louis Klemp resigned.

At a board meeting on Nov. 13, Triveece Penelton, an African-American woman and urban planner, made a presentation to the Leavenworth County, Kansas County Board of Directors. During the meeting, Klemp said that Penelton and himself had holes in their teeth, a sign of their superiority.

"I do not want you to think that I am taking it from you because we are part of the race of masters, you have a hole in your teeth, we are part of the race of masters, do not know it. do not forget, "says Klemp, according to KSHB.

Off camera, he told KSHB that the comment was a joke, but he aroused outrage from the public and government officials, who called for his resignation. On Tuesday, Klemp handed his letter of resignation to the county clerk's office. This letter was then read during the Tuesday Commission meeting.

"I regret my recent comments at a meeting of the Leavenworth County Commission and the negative feedback from the community," Klemp wrote. "My attempts to identify a similarity, a gap between our teeth, with a presenter were well-intentioned, but misinterpreted by some and without a doubt for racial reasons. I contacted the presenter and extended my regrets and my support. "

Louis Klemp resigned as Leavenworth County Commissioner Tuesday after commenting on his membership in the "main race".
Leavenworth County Kansas

Tuesday, Penelton said in a statement to the Kansas City Star that during her 16 years of professional experience, she has been subjected to "a wide range of tactless and sometimes racist comments". However, she described Klemp's words as "unthinking".

"I pray that our nation and the world will learn from this moment and recognize that respect for the history, culture, perspective and impact of each is essential," he said. Penelton in his statement. "Respecting each other could help us grow together rather than separately."

The superiority of a "master race" is a tactic used by the Nazi party leader, Adolf Hitler, who tried to rid the world of all those who were not worthy of the "master race". Leavenworth County Administrator Mark Loughry said in a statement obtained by NBC News that Klemp's comments were not a reference to the Nazis.

"On a number of occasions over the past year, Mr. Klemp said that players with a gap in the lower teeth are members of the main race," Loughry said. "At the meeting on Tuesday, he stated that he and the lady who appeared on the board were members of the main race because of the gap in their teeth."

Loughry said his explanation of the comments was not a defense of Klemp, however. Following comments made at the November 13 Board meeting, several government officials asked Mr. Klemp to resign from his position before the end of his term on January 15th.

Commissioners Robert Holland and Doug Smith, the other two board members, were among those who called for his resignation. Smith said at Leavenworth Times that Klemp was withdrawing in the interest of the country.

"I was shocked, I was incredulous," added Holland. "He should resign, no matter what, he has two days left, he should resign."

Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer also expressed his support for Klemp's resignation, calling his remarks unacceptable and not reflecting the country's values ​​in a statement. Twitter.

"Racial and discriminatory language has no place in our society, especially when it is spoken by a person in public office," Colyer said in a statement.

The city of Leavenworth said on Facebook that she was also supportive of Klemp's resignation, but added that the city government could do nothing to fire him.

Klemp's resignation took effect Tuesday at 9:00 am CDT.