A Facebook post this week attributed to Lakeland Commissioner Clark Plunk has been reported to the NAACP, but there is no formal complaint or investigation.
A racial slur on Commissioner Plunk’s Facebook page (now removed) is said to have used the N-word and an unidentified man called the NAACP to report the message.
Vickie Terry, executive director of of the NAACP, said today (10.12.18), someone called her office about the post but has not filed a formal complaint or identified himself, so there is no investigation at this time.
“We would look into it if we had more information,” Ms. Terry said. “There is no formal complaint. Someone called several times, but has not come in to file a complaint. There was no name provided.”
Mr. Plunk denies the allegation and said this morning (10.12.18), “My phone was hacked. I had no control.
“Anyone could have done it,” Mr. Plunk said. “I get notifications all the time from my friends that they were hacked and vulgar words were used and asking to know it was not them and that changed their password.
“I’ve changed my password word,” he said, “and notified as many friends as possible.”
In response to the allegations about Commissioner Plunk, Commissioner Matt Wright said:
“I received a text late last night about the story and, of course, I’m shocked. Clark did send an email Thursday morning that he had been hacked and not to accept Facebook messages from him. That’s all his email said,” Mr. Wright said.
“I hope he didn’t really post that message. If he did, it deeply saddens me because it’s not the value system we have in Lakeland and I sincerely hope people understand that to be the case.
“Our attorney (Chris Patterson) will investigate and then the Board of Commissioners will decide on a course of action.”
In a press release distributed by the City of Lakeland this afternoon, Shane A. Horn, City manager, said, “The City of Lakeland upholds certain values including integrity and aims to conduct business in a manner that is ethical, legal, and professional, with the highest degree of honesty, respect, and fairness.
“The City of Lakeland promotes openness and transparency in its operations ensuring that the City is accountable for its actions.”
