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Friday, in his own Facebook post, Johnson said that he was “appalled” by Beck’s comments and accused her of “exploit[ing] a temporary medical incident as an opportunity to attack older individuals and insinuate that age somehow renders a person incapable, irrelevant, or unworthy of public service.”

He went on to say it was “shocking” and “hypocritical” coming from the HRDB chair. “Ageism is discrimination. Suggesting that someone loses their value because they have reached a certain age is offensive, dangerous, and entirely incompatible with the principles this board claims to uphold. There are significant numbers of seniors who live in Ocoee that enjoyed success in life who are capable today. What makes these remarks even more troubling is the message they send to every senior in our community: that experience no longer matters, that wisdom is disposable, and that aging somehow diminishes a person’s worth.”

The mayor’s post had garnered 76 comments by Saturday morning along with 197 reactions, many from Ocoee seniors outraged by Beck’s comment and eager to demonstrate their support for the mayor and their own vitality.

Rusty, I see you everyday and I can testify there is nothing wrong with you in any shape form or fashion!! My question is, why is she a leader on the board? I am 88 years old, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with me mentally or physically. I work in the yard, raise a small garden, and clean my home — no maid. I also tutor my grandchildren in math, reading, and other subjects. That insult is unacceptable!

I too was shocked and appalled by those grossly insensitive and inappropriate comments. Glad you’re all better and setting the record straight every day in all you do!

Mayor Johnson, I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better. Those comments have no pace in our government. Part of what makes government work is that people with differing perspectives and experiences can come together to make decisions. Thank you for your service to Ocoee.

As a “senior” myself I also take offense at anyone implying we are not capable of being productive. Productivity is not based on age but capability. There are plenty of in capable individuals under the age of 65! Thx Rusty for doing your job so well.

Beck has since removed her comment, which she characterized in a text to VoxPopuli as a “reactive comment, made in the moment” as a private citizen, not in her capacity as HRDB chair.

“I did not stop and think enough about how it would come across, especially given the circumstances. Once I saw [the mayor's] response [on his Facebook page], I realized the impact it had and deleted it,” Beck said.

She told VoxPopuli that her primary concern was volunteer boards and committees receiving adequate participation and representation from the elected officials assigned to them.

“I should have focused more clearly on that concern instead of referencing age, particularly in the context of a medical situation,” she said via text. She added that she didn’t want to “create the impression that I do not respect older adults because that is not at all how I feel.”

She told VoxPopuli that she apologized to the mayor. She also posted a public apology to the mayor’s Facebook page.

“I genuinely regret that a poorly worded social media comment created hurt and distraction instead of constructive conversation,” she texted.

Johnson told VoxPopuli that "because of past dealings," he doesn't believe Beck's apology is "sincere."

"Her comment backfired, and she is back pedaling," he said by text on Saturday.

Even so, he is not calling for her resignation.

As for himself, Johnson told VoxPopuli he has "a lot of good years left."

The mayor expanded on that in his Facebook statement, saying that he “continue[s] serving this community with the same energy and seriousness I always have. A brief health incident does not change that. My age does not change that. And no amount of prejudice disguised as commentary will change that either.”