Warren Mayor Denies It's Him On 'Nasty Tape' Making Offensive Remarks About Mentally Challenged

WARREN (WWJ) - Warren Mayor Jim Fouts says a recording released which makes offensive remarks about the disabled is not him. Fouts posted on Facebook Thursday evening that the release of the audio which refers to the mentally challenged as "not even human beings," is a tactic by Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel to distract people from claims of illegal dumping at Freedom Hill.

"In response to the nasty tape recording released by Mark Hackel. It's clear this an attempt to silence me and intimidate me, I question the validity of this AWFUL tape," read a Facebook post from Fouts account.

"This recording was not me! (he has the expertise available to him to electronically engineer it) This is a PHONY tape with more to come. As I said when Mark Hackel can't argue with facts he attacks. This was a garbled tape. A vicious attempt to discredit me. Mark Hackel will do anything to cover up his crime even the use of anonymous phony tapes. Mark Hackel has reached a new low in politics."

There has been on open and ongoing war of words between the Warren mayor and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel over

On Wednesday, WWJ reported that Warren Mayor Jim Fouts is asking the Michigan Attorney General's Office to investigate what he calls "illegal dumping" at Freedom Hill County Park in Sterling Heights.

In a letter to AG Bill Schuette provided to the media Wednesday, Fouts alleged that Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel allowed a contractor to dump excavated dirt at the landfill-turned concert venue — damaging methane gas vents, and causing leachate to flow from the site.

Fouts also hinted at an undisclosed relationship between Hackel and the Freedom Hill dumper, posting on Facebook: "The question Mr. Hackel refuses to answer is did he go on the trips with the contractor in his private jet?" [Read more of Fouts' Facebook posts here].

Supporters of Fouts took to social media immediately after the release of the audio tape including some who questioned the quality of the audio and some who said it was a new low for Hackel.

WWJ has a call out to Hackel for comment.