LATHROP, Calif. — Saturday Update:
Lathrop Councilman Paul Akinjo released a statement apologizing for his comments about Christina Laughlin and promising to be more empathetic and considerate going forward.
"In trying to speak about Christina, I failed to appropriately acknowledge her significant role in our community. Christina was not just a community member; she was a vigilant watchdog and a critical voice, always ensuring that we, as a council, remained accountable and transparent. Her unique presence and persistent efforts to challenge us were invaluable, and I regret not having conveyed the respect and acknowledgment she deserved," Akinjo said in his statement. "I apologize deeply for the pain and anger my words have caused to Christina's family, friends, and all those who admired her for the role she played in our community. It was a mistake, born out of a moment's insensitivity, for which I am truly sorry."
Original Story:
A Lathrop city councilmember is facing controversy after comments he made pushing back on a proposal to honor a fallen community organizer.
During a council meeting on Jan. 8, Lathrop Vice Mayor Minnie Cotton Diallo spoke in honor of Christina Laughlin, a community organizer who died after a battle with cancer the day before.
"I just want to thank her, her husband Chris and her beautiful daughter Sophia for allowing her to serve countless hours here in Lathrop," said Cotton Diallo during the meeting.
In her tribute, Cotton Diallo proposed dedicating a tree and bench in Laughlin's honor at Crescent Park, which is in the Mossdale neighborhood she championed.
"She served as the Mossdale community member for a larger group called the Lathrop Neighborhood Watch," said Cotton Diallo. "Christina did this with no official title, nor most of the time any recognition. She did it because she loved Lathrop and the people here in Lathrop."
Seconds after making her proposal, Council Member Paul Akinjo pushed back.
"It's very difficult to talk ill of the dead," said Akinjo. "I think she played a role in shaping and keeping us on our toes... as for being a good community service, that is debatable. I am just saying it the way I saw it, that is arguable."
It was a moment that came as a shock to Cotton Diallo who abruptly walked out of the meeting as Akinjo was speaking.
"I was honestly just disappointed because as elected officials, we're supposed to have some type of decorum," said Cotton Diallo. "After hearing the comment, I could do nothing but excuse myself because that type of unethical behavior, I can't be a part of."
The comment came only hours after Laughlin's death and with her grieving husband and daughter watching the meeting, Cotton Diallo said.
"She was so loving and just thoughtful. You could call on her for anything. She was always the person that would be there," said Cotton Diallo. "Some of the things she did within our community, we did an annual backpack drive, we picked multiple families during Christmas and Thanksgiving to bring back to."
Lathrop's Mayor Sonny Dhaliwal recognized Laughlin's contributions during the meeting and adjourned it in her memory
"I think it's a very simple request. I think we should go ahead with it," said Dhaliwal. "It's very sad, we all knew Christina. She did a lot for the city. She will be missed."
Councilmember Akinjo did not respond to an interview request Wednesday, but the plans to dedicate a bench and tree in Laughlin's honor are set to move forward.
Community members plan to honor Laughlin during a vigil at Crescent Park at 4 p.m. Saturday. Cotton Diallo hopes that the tree and bench will help inspire community members to stay involved and to stay kind like her friend.
"I'm sad that it happened, but I hope in the future that my colleagues will think twice before making statements to the public," said Cotton Diallo. "Even though people might have negative thoughts about you, it's what you do and how you serve your community that really stands out."
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