DeBary mayor has no plans to apologize for ‘troll' comment

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — DeBary Mayor Clint Johnson has come under fire for calling City Council members jerks, members of the public attending meetings the peanut gallery and some individuals trolls.

Now facing a censure from the City Council, Johnson said they shouldn’t count on an apology anytime soon.

When asked why he called two people trolls during a meeting, Johnson said, “Because they are.”

Raw: DeBary mayor discusses controversial statements

Johnson said he’s just telling it like it is and doesn’t plan to tone down his rhetoric.

“I’m just dealing with it the best way I know how, and I’ve tried ignoring it for months and I’m done with it,” he said.

Johnson was elected when he was 28 years old and is the youngest mayor in Volusia County.

Members of the City Council are not amused by his antics and believe Johnson’s comments are making the city look bad.

“One doesn’t get what they want out of an individual by calling them a troll or a member of the peanut gallery,” City Council member Rick Dwyer said. “I think it’s inappropriate for a leader to refer to people by disparaging names.”

Johnson stands by his comments and calls the threat of a censure a distraction.

“Let’s focus on city business, and if the people (don’t) like me, don’t vote for me again,” he said.

A censure would have no real penalties other than to publicly admonish the mayor. Johnson said he will not be embarrassed if that happens.

WFTV