BUZZ
Later offered a non-apology apology
The vice chair of the Kennebunk, Maine Select Board who serves as a liaison to the local school board said late last month that those who oppose men participating in women’s sports have “pedophilic tendencies.”
“Their obsession with what private parts are sitting in between the legs of our students is nothing less than creepy, and should absolutely be raising eyebrows in and around our school district,” Leslie Trentalange said at an October 20 Kennebunk School Board meeting, according to Maine Wire.
“Their obsession with genitalia points not to caring for the students in this district, but perhaps to an underlying guilt for their own pedophilic tendencies. There is a registry for that.”
Trentalange sparred with Board Chair Matthew Stratford, who called the remarks “inappropriate”: “I don’t think that was inappropriate, and I stand by my comments,” she said.
SHAMEFUL: Kennebunk Select Board member Leslie Trentalange claims concerned parents who don’t want men competing in women’s sports have “pedophilic tendencies” and should be placed on a registry. pic.twitter.com/z1G5iMhj7c
— The Maine Wire (@TheMaineWire) October 27, 2025
A few days later Trentalange offered a sort-of apology, but only to the LGBTQ community, not to “the parents she actually accused of harboring pedophilic tendencies.”
I made a statement that one could say pushed some boundaries at the recent school board meeting. If there are folks in the marginalized queer community that feel my message did not serve them or hurt them in any way, it is that which I regret. I do also regret any undue or undeserved backlash other members of the select board or town staff have felt over my comments as an individual.
Trentalange did note she would “relinquish” her role as school board liaison.
Leslie Trentalange (the Kennebunk Karen) has issued an “apology.”
— The Maine Wire (@TheMaineWire) October 29, 2025
Not to the parents she called pedos.
But to folks in the “marginalized and queer community.” pic.twitter.com/9KGaEoxO9w
According to the Maine Wire report, “multiple community members” demanded Trentalange’s resignation from the Select Board. Republican State Senate candidate John Salamone said her comments were “false, defamatory, and completely unacceptable” for an elected official.
Others defended Trentalange, noting she made her remarks in a private capacity, not as a member of the board.
The situation with Trentalange comes on the heels of Kennebunk High School teacher Richard Klatt posting on social media that “Karma will come for everyone in this life or the next one. Rest in hell Charlie Kirk” shortly after the conservative commentator’s murder.
Klatt tendered his resignation on October 1.
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