After “Buckwheat” comment, Rep. Richard Holtorf apologizes on House Floor

Video from KDVR.com

Statement from Rep. Richard Holtorf about what occured on the House floor

This week an unfortunate situation occurred on the house floor caused by the lack of decorum in the chamber of the Colorado House of Representatives. This situation involved three or more members violating rules of decorum in the chamber, including certain individuals that are crying foul the most.

I own my part of the incident steeped in misunderstanding.
These cultural differences continue to divide us. I do not appreciate the lack of professionalism and verbal attacks against me on that day. I am sure no apology will be offered to me from those who also violated the rules of decorum.

The bigger person is the one who steps up and admits fault and apologies. I have offered my apology on two occasions.

I fully support the expert leadership of House Speaker Garnett in his demand to reestablish decorum and raise the modicum of respect for each of us in the chamber. I plan to fully participate in his guidance and his plan to super elevate the decorum in the house chamber to the highest level.

There is nothing more to discuss about this unfortunate incident today. We all in this nation need to begin a positive and productive dialogue to move forward in a manner to heal our communities, our state, and our country. We must not continue to shout at each other, divide, denigrate each other and attack each other in the public space.

I have felt the hatred and anger of so many citizens across the nation this week and it saddens me. The compilation of vile rhetoric that I have read this week exceeds by a large magnitude one word.

I forgive all of you for your expressions of extreme hatred targeted at myself and my family.
I ask we all try to move to a place that sheds a positive light on our community. Help to heal our differences.

Let us go to a better place and find the light in each other. We can use this and other moments to change the trajectory of this issue in a positive way and bring our nation together.