Buffalo Municipal Housing Commissioner Joseph Mascia has apologized for racial slurs he made about Mayor Byron Brown, Council President Darius Pridgen and other African-American officials. Mascia comments follow the circulation of a tape in which he was caught making the remarks.
On WBFO Thursday morning, Mascia apologized to those he mentioned and said he would do so personally as well.
On the tape, Mascia repeatedly used the "n-word." The comments were apparently recorded on a cell phone and the tape began circulating yesterday afternoon.
While he takes responsibility for his words, Mascia told WBFO he was "manipulated" and notes the timing of the release of the tape, which he says was recorded months ago, is suspicious.
Mascia contends he has always been outspoken about the Housing Authority and notes there are those who would like to see him resign. Mascia is an elected tenant representative on the BMHA Board of Commissioners.
Mascia is also running for the city's Fillmore District seat on the Common Council.
WBFO Morning Edition Host Jay Moran spoke with Mascia live Thursday morning about the tape.
