OAK RIDGE NORTH, Texas -- An Oak Ridge North city councilman was publicly censured Monday for sending a racist e-mail to city leaders, KPRC Local 2 reported Tuesday.

Councilman Tony Butler sent an e-mail about the names of hurricanes to three city officials, including the mayor and police chief. The e-mail was sent through the city's e-mail system.

"Well it appears our African-American friends have found yet something else to be (expletive) about," the e-mail read. "A black congresswoman (Sheila Jackson Lee) complained the names of hurricanes are all Caucasian-sounding names. She would prefer some names that reflect the African-American culture."

The e-mail continues with a mocking, racially insensitive story that cannot be published or aired on television.

Residents gathered outside City Hall and held up signs that read, "racist leaders not wanted," "respect," and "we support our mayor."

"Oak Ridge North is not a racist community," resident Rick Easton said. "We can't have this kind of message go out to the world that this is the way we are."

Butler said the e-mail was just a joke.

"If it's wrong, it's not a joke," resident Kevin Morse said. "If you have an official position, you need to take it seriously."

Mayor Fred O'Connor met with Butler last week and asked him to resign. Butler refused.

Residents who spoke before City Council had different feelings about the situation.

"I feel like comment like that made by anyone should be brought to attention," one resident said.

"I just feel like we're making a mountain out of a mole hill," another resident said.

Some said Butler's character shows he is not racist.

"He's is no threat to the civil rights of any person," Al Stahl said. "It's much ado about nothing."

Council members went into a closed session and returned to condemn the e-mail.

"Such conduct is hereby publicly censured by City Council," O'Connor said.

Butler offered his regrets.

"I am sorry for this incident," he said. "I did a very stupid thing. I admit to that mistake. This one incident does not define me as a person. I am not a racist."

Some residents said more action should have been taken, while others said they want all the controversy to go away.