The trio of Dunkirk Common Councilors who offered controversial chatter about a homeless person had three different approaches to the brouhaha Tuesday, at their first meeting since the comments. Natalie Luczkowiak reiterated apologies, Nancy Nichols defended herself and James Stoyle didn’t show up at all.

“I want to offer a sincere apology regarding my recent remarks last council meeting regarding the homeless individual,” Luczkowiak said, echoing comments she made days earlier to the OBSERVER. “My comments did not reflect the compassion, empathy or understanding that the situation deserves. I deeply regret the tone I used and the message it conveyed.

“Homelessness is not a simple issue and no one chooses it lightly,” the First Ward councilwoman continued. “It is often the result of personal hardship, mental health challenges, economic instability, or a lack of access to housing and support systems.

My words failed to acknowledge this reality and for that I am truly sorry. Moving forward, I am committed to focusing on solutions rooted in dignity and support.”

Thanking residents who showed compassion and concern for the man, Luczkowiak stated that “your kindness shows the best of the community.” She promised to “strive to do better in the days ahead.”

Luczkowiak spurred the discussion about the man, named Derek, at the previous council meeting. She suggested removing his items until he leaves town, among other comments.

Nichols spoke negatively about residents feeding Derek. She defended and explained her comments Tuesday.

“We’ve been dealing with this internally in this city for over two years. I did not make a proclamation at all but I reached out through social services to extend some help for him,” she said. Nichols said her “concern and comment at the last meeting” was related to possible medical issues that Derek could get from food that was left for him.

“My concern was a health and safety issue. This is not his first place of sleeping, he was sleeping on the Boardwalk all last year,” Nichols said. “It’s just very sad, and I’m very shocked and disappointed that the mayor (Kate Wdowiasz) had not stepped up prior to this. She knew the problems we were having, she knew that two years ago.”

Nichols reiterated her point about health concerns with feeding Derek, stating that peanut butter is not allowed in classrooms due to possible nut allergy irritation.

Stoyle did not attend Tuesday’s meeting. He had two comments that seemed to draw the most community ire: the homeless man should be sent to Jamestown, and a statement that it is illegal to feed deer but not homeless people.

Wdowiasz was also a no-show for the meeting Tuesday.

Two members of the public blasted the council for their comments at the last meeting, prior to Luczkowiak and Nichols speaking.

Melissa Zastrow said the comments concerned her.

“Dunkirk is struggling economically and this struggle will most likely worsen,” she said, in part. “As our neighbors struggle, it is not the time to suggest disposing of others’ worldly possessions. It is not the time to compare others to wild animals. It is not the time to suggest locals ignore the plight of those less fortunate. Now is the time for our community to rally and support each other. Now is the time for compassion and kindness. Dunkirk is a caring community and should be represented as such by its elected officials.”

Patricia Schanzlin stated, “I think you tried to do well but it came out wrong. I know you’ve received a lot of backlash… What makes me more sad and upset is how two other council members (Nichols and Stoyle) just blindly hopped on a bandwagon like they were sitting behind closed doors having a beer with a friend. That is not what the city is.”

Schanzlin expressed sorrow that Luczkowiak resigned from the Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. board over the comments, and hope and optimism that the councilwoman learned something. She was less conciliatory toward Nichols.

“You’re my representative, you do not represent me,” said Fourth Ward resident Schanzlin to Nichols. “You don’t represent a lot of us. I think right about now, Natalie, you’re the only one the public might hold some faith on in this.”

Schanzlin went on to say that Derek’s problems should have been handled internally by city departments — not broadcast in public for the world.

“For any Derek, there’s 10 more we don’t see,” she concluded.

Nichols responded directly to Schanzlin when it was her turn to speak.

“I was not being vindictive and I’m sorry if you don’t think I’ve done enough for your Fourth Ward,” the councilwoman said. “I have — you can ask. I’m chair of DPW. I do a lot of stuff for the ward, for every ward in the city, because the whole city elects the council members.”