Sheboygan mayor apologizes for remarks

SHEBOYGAN - Sheboygan's mayor says he's sorry he made sexual remarks about his wife's sister that ended up on YouTube.

"I can never take this back or make it go away," said Sheboygan Mayor Bob Ryan. "But all I can do is sincerely apologize to my sister-in-law and her family, for such an inappropriate comment."

The mayor offered an apology after some damaging comments he made appeared on the file-sharing Web site YouTube. Mayor Bob Ryan did not dispute the video and said Thursday afternoon it was shot this summer, but only surfaced in the last few days.

He's a first year mayor. Thursday, he talked about the video openly during a news conference, and answered questions from reporters. It lasted less than 15 minutes.

"I was elected to drive this city to a position of strength, and I deeply regret that my personal behavior has temporarily tarnished that opportunity," said Ryan.

Ryan regrets how he behaved at Brennan's, a Sheboygan bar. He says a video was taken there in July. It is now on You Tube, and shows the mayor talking about his sister-in-law's weight and sexual activity. Thursday afternoon he talked with the media about it.

"Why did I make 'em?" Ryan said after being asked about the comments. "I have no excuse. I have no excuse whatsoever. Truthfully it was conversation between guys. i'm sure we've, and I don't put a disclaimer on it, I do not. I take full responsibility for it. however, it was conversation between men in an establishment."

Ryan's wife Mary joined him at the news conference. She also apologized and thanked the person who posted the video saying it has taught him a lesson.

"Accept our apology in hopes that we can move on, let him get back to work, he has a lot of work to do," said Mary Ryan.

Ryan said he is seeking professional help for his personal life, but didn't answer questions about what kind of help. He says he was drinking the night of the video, but does not have a drinking problem.

"I supported the mayor and I still do," said Sheboygan Alderman Bill Wangemann. "I see no reason not to. I appreciate the fact that he apologized. I think that shows some strength of character. Like I said he could have made all kinds of alibis and everything else, but he didn't do that. I hate to see this happen to Sheboygan."

The Sheboygan city council president said he is upset with the mayor's behavior, which he calls despicable. He said he supported Ryan when he ran for mayor and he let down a lot of people.

The citizens who Ryan apologized to have mixed opinions.

"It's pretty bad comments I believe about his sister-in-law that's not a very good thing," said Sheboygan resident Kitty Navis.

"Much ado about nothing. Not a very big deal. There are a lot more important things to be thinking about," said John Johnson, who lives in Sheboygan.

Ryan is also dealing with another issue regarding his conduct. Former city human resources director Angela Payne was fired from her job. The city attorney tells FOX 11 she was terminated during her six-month probationary period. She has sent a letter to the Sheboygan city attorney regarding allegations, but the city attorney would not detail specifics of those allegations.

During Thursday's news conference, Ryan was asked if he made advances toward Angela Payne. His response, "Absolutely not."

He did not comment beyond that because of possible legal action.