Imagine an Auburn city councilor or the mayor using a racial or ethnic slur directed at a another person during a meeting.

The outrage would be intense, as it should be, and you can bet the person who used those words would suffer serious consequences.

But in the town of Owasco, where an elected official used an ethnic slur referring to Italian-Americans, the town board has essentially done nothing.

For a town that's under state police investigation for possible criminal activity, not to mention DEC investigation for possible environmental violations, the episode is yet another black eye.

That's why it was good that town board member Doug Buchanan has admitted using an offensive word at a Dec. 13, 2007 meeting, and during last week's meeting, he apologized for it.

Some might call for Buchanan to be removed from the board, but that would be going too far.

The Al Sharptons of the world have gone overboard at times with their reactions when good people make mistakes with their words. Buchanan has apologized, and he deserves another chance.

But while we're glad Buchanan made the apology, it would be a mistake to say the entire issue can now be put to rest.

It's important for the town government as a whole to send a message that such behavior cannot be tolerated, and that message should start with the town board. To truly move forward, the town board should formally reprimand Buchanan, so it can go on record as saying that such divisive language is not acceptable.

And if Buchanan cannot control himself in the future, he should be gone.

To do otherwise in this case would be a double-standard. Racial or ethnic slurs, no matter who is the target, should have no place in society. And elected officials must adhere to the highest standard of professional conduct, especially when they're acting in their official capacity.