Always seen standing behind Gov. Paul LePage, Rep. John Picchiotti should not follow in LePage’s ‘bullying’ footsteps. Picchiotti’s comments degrading Maine’s Muslim community and thereby degrading all Mainers, demand his resignation.

His attempt to minimize his statements with a shallow explanation that he did not read what he posted is as ridiculous. This is an tell-all expose of what Picchiotti really is: a bigot who is not worthy of holding a position in Maine’s Legislature or on Fairfield Town Council.

Leadership demands a respect for those they are supposed to represent, and Picchiotti has proven he respects no one. A person in the public’s trust must have the highest standards, to set an example for all their constituents, and Picchiotti is not anywhere near that caliber.

Picchiotti needs to realize the consequences of his actions, without special favor. Worse than the crime is always the cover-up, and Picchiotti’s feeble attempt of an apology and/or that he was unaware of what he said in his post, is totally ridiculous and insulting.

If Picchiotti is receiving and sharing that type of email content, he does so regularly and participates in the bigotry willingly. I demand he resign from public office on behalf of Maine’s Muslim community and the many Mainers, such as myself, who oppose bullying and bigotry, no matter who that bully or bigot thinks his friends are.

Ernest Canelli III

Fairfield