Grays Harbor County Commissioner Randy Ross said he apologized recently for making an inappropriate comment about Jews during the Ocean Shores Renewed Antique Show in February.

The comment came to light when Cathey Peterson of Ocean Shores, a member of the city’s Planning Commission, was volunteering to help at a booth for the Friends of the Ocean Shores Library book sale.

Peterson posted this account on her Facebook page after the encounter:

“I was at the Friends of the Library book sale. Mr. Ross’ wife was preparing to make a purchase. Mr. Ross asked if we could ‘Jew down the price.’ When asked, ‘What did you say?’ he happily repeated himself. Then added it was not discriminatory because he thought Jews were smart. With book in hand, he happily walked away. I hope I am not the only person in Grays Harbor that finds his remarks offensive.”

Ross promptly acknowledged the comment was made when asked about it last week, but said his “intent was never meant to be defamatory or denigrate any race or religion. I regret Mrs. Peterson thought my intent was to do so.”

“I did make the comment; but what was not recounted by Mrs. Peterson is that I did apologize to her after she said something back to me,” Ross said in a written response. “I also attempted to explain the context of the remark. I have the utmost respect for the Jewish faith and all people who worship a higher power whether as Jews, Christians, Muslim, Hindus, Buddhists, or any other religion.”

He also emphasized that he would no longer repeat such a remark.

“I again offer my apologies to Mrs. Peterson and will strive to make sure there is not a repetition in the future. It is not my usual and customary practice to make comments or statements which may make others uncomfortable,” Ross said.

The Anti-Defamation League notes that such stereotypes lead to characterizations that are hurtful and discriminatory even when they may not be meant as such.

“Some stereotypes do not appear to be insulting or derogatory on their face. For example, generalizing that one group of people are natural athletes or another group of people are good with money could be viewed as a compliment. Unfortunately, in addition to being false, if this ‘positive’ stereotyping goes unchallenged, then the corresponding negative stereotypes may soon follow,” said an Anti-Defamation league report, “Confronting Anti-Semitism Myths and Facts.”

Peterson, the wife of Ocean Shores City Councilman Bob Peterson, said she still has some concern about Ross’ explanation.

“I must say I missed the apology. His explanation of ‘I think Jews are smart’ falls short,” she said.