Ladd Addresses Diversity, Explains Racial Slur at Forum

The only Anne Arundel County councilman to appear at a community forum on Saturday in Severn was questioned over his recent use of a racial slur during a public meeting, according to The Baltimore Sun.

Councilman Dick Ladd (R-5th District) of Broadneck answered questions from a crowd of about 40 people at a forum sponsored by the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

Ladd came under fire for . He used the term while relating his military career during the Vietnam War. Later that meeting, he apologized.

On Saturday, he again apologized, but said he did not believe it was a racial slur.

"I do not think that is a racial slur. … I don't know what else to say. … It's my problem. I understand. I am paying a very high price for this professionally and in my personal life. … I am very sorry about that," the Sun reported.

The questioning became heated, and Ladd made an exit after being thanked for attending by the host.

The panel on Saturday came in the midst of  

Councilmen have been deadlocked by a 3-3 split between two candidates—Mike Wagner, a businessman from Glen Burnie, and Peter Smith, a lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve. The issue of diversity became a hot topic during the night of the candidate interviews. Wagner is white, and Smith is black. 

After 100 rounds of voting on Feb. 16, the council has yet to come to a consensus.

The council is set to reconvene and vote for a third time at its next meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. March 5.