Lakeland city commissioners have asked for the resignation of a volunteer member of the city's utilities committee.

They want Steven Wade to step down because of controversial comments he made during a September 4th city budget hearing.

Wade tried to make a link between the breakdown of the family and gang violence. He singled out the mostly black Northwest part of Lakeland.

"Not just with the gangs but with a culture that has really, really gone backwards. Almost like ah, they are going backwards almost like animals," he said during the meeting.

Wade apologized last week for using the word "animals" but mostly stood by his comments.

During Monday's city commission meeting, several residents spoke out on the issue.

"We are not animals. We are beautiful intelligent creative people," said Shirley Goodwin.

Civil right activist Dorris Moore Bailey called for Wade's removal from the committee.

"His attitude is unacceptable. It is polarizing as well."

All seven commissioners agreed they wanted Wade removed from the committee. It was a matter of the best legal approach. In the end, they called for Wade to voluntarily resign. But it was clear that if Wade didn't resign commissioners would replace him.

Pastor Edgar Pickett was pleased with the outcome.

"Giving him an opportunity to resign based on his comments and I think commissioners did it the legal way," he said.

Wade was not available for reaction. His business said he would be out of town until Wednesday.

He sent an email of his apology to Mayor Howard Wiggs;

Mr. Mayor,

I am sorry I have put this on your plate. I know you did not need any of this. I appreciate how busy you are and the hard work you are doing. We have know each other a long time now and you know the respect I have for you but also the respect I have for the position of Mayor. I hate to have done this to you. Will talk again.