Chairman responds to backlash for comments made about women in power: ‘This has been a big learning experience for me’
On social media, Turman’s comments were called sexist and misogynistic. One community member said Turman “should be removed from office immediately,” and another asked, “So when is he resigning?”
Floyd County Board of Supervisors Chairman Joe Turman (Burks Fork) has released a statement apologizing for comments he made about women in government during the Board’s March 24 meeting.
Near the end of the meeting, Little River Supervisor Linda DeVito Kuchenbuch took a moment to recognize the county team that not only handles emergencies but also day-to-day operations. She asked that officials in attendance, including County Administrator Kim Chiddo and Assistant County Administrator Jenny Tolbert, pass the Board’s appreciation on to other team members.
DeVito Kuchenbuch noted that the team has developed a high level of "continuity" whether they’re dealing with an emergency or sharing responsibilities while a staff member is taking time off. “This is not easy, running a county — there are so many parts to it…” she said. “These people dedicate themselves to the good of this county, the safety of this county… without this staff behind us, we would not be able to do what we do.”
Turman said, “to build on that” and with March being Women’s History Month, he started thinking that Floyd County “is run by women” considering the Clerk of Court, Treasurer, Commissioner of Revenue, County Administrator, Assistant County Administrator, a Board member, and the schools’ Superintendent are all female.
“People don’t realize the input and the work you all do... I don’t think you get enough credit for it, I really don’t,” he said.
DeVito Kuchenbuch interjected, “Maybe even one day, we’ll run the country.”
Acknowledging that he might get “too political,” Turman continued: “Sometimes you get women in high spots and they go crazy… They don’t know what they’re doing… I’m talking about when you get up into big governments, there’s a lot of women that really hurt other women with their attitudes and stuff… Men screwed it up for years… But some of the women who could really make an impact on this country screw it up. They go too far, they try to do too much too fast, and they think more of themselves than what they’re worth.”
On social media, Turman’s comments were called sexist and misogynistic. One community member said Turman “should be removed from office immediately,” and another asked, “So when is he resigning?” A comment from Shenandoah Dems VA called his remarks “misogyny and projection.”
Kalinda Bechtold, a former Supervisor and the newly appointed chairman of the Floyd Republican Party, said there is “no place” for Turman’s comments and behavior in a position of leadership and authority.
“As a former elected official I am appalled and deeply concerned by the remarks made at the Board of Supervisors meeting regarding women,” she said. “As a supervisor, you are the voice for all the citizens of your district, not just the ones who agree with your beliefs. As chairman, you set the tone for the entire county. Sadly, I am not at all surprised by these chauvinistic statements, as I have witnessed these types of things during my time on the board.”
She added, “I sincerely hope that there will be some time of deep reflection and consideration about what is best for the entire County moving forward.”
Turman’s apology, which was released through county channels on Friday, April 3, stated that he “deeply regrets” that he “caused offense.” In full, the statement reads:
“It was my intention to celebrate the many women in County leadership roles, as elected officials, as leaders in County Administration, and as leaders of our public schools. My goal was to acknowledge their dedicated service to the community and to thank them for their good work, which often, sadly, goes unrecognized. It was not my place to speculate on those serving at higher levels of government, or to generalize about an entire category of people. For that I am sincerely sorry.
“Leaders in our community, including me, have an obligation to be mindful of how we present ourselves, and to recognize that our words carry weight. The community looks to us to set an example and to demonstrate the best values of the community. My comments on March 24 fell short, and for that I am sorry.
“This is a County that values and respects all people, and one that has a proud track record of women serving in leadership roles in elected, county-wide office, of women serving with distinction at the highest levels of our County administration, and as leaders for our public schools. I fully support them and offer my gratitude for their leadership and service. This has been a big learning experience for me; I will use this as an example going forward as I continue to dedicate myself to serving the citizens of Floyd County.”
