ST. CLAIRSVILLE — During a tumultuous time when Americans are divided along political lines, city residents are expressing concerns about a post Mayor Kathryn Thalman apparently shared on Facebook.

The post features a picture of conservative commentator Candace Owens and the following quote: “We need to stop calling them liberals and begin referring to them as exactly what they are: American communists that wish to partake in the destruction of western civilization.”

The post on Thalman’s personal Facebook page is dated Dec. 29 and appears without context or further explanation.

Thalman did not respond to multiple requests to confirm or deny that she shared the post. She could not be reached at her home or office for comment Thursday.

As of Thursday evening, the post had garnered dozens of comments.

“What a terrible post,” Carol Baron Johnson wrote.

“Wow. This is from the mayor? Shame on you! Shame on you!” Tracey Lancione Lloyd wrote.

“Deplorable post from an elected official,” Dawn McCroskey wrote.

Other comments called for Thalman’s resignation.

When contacted about the matter, two city leaders responded.

“This latest posting by the mayor of St. Clairsville is very disappointing, disgusting and totally uncalled for. She should be ashamed of herself for posting such a divisive and slanderous post. At this point in time, this city and nation is in great need of a strong, moral and effective leadership,” Councilman Frank Sabatino stated in a text message.

“I’ve received phone calls from citizens regarding the post that was shared by the mayor and they’re very upset. As city officials, we’re elected to represent all citizens, and not just those who agree with our political views. As elected officials, we’re actually held to a higher standard and should avoid posting, sharing or commenting on political issues on social media that could be considered insulting or demeaning to others,” Councilwoman Linda Jordan texted.

Paul Nick, executive director of the Ohio Ethics Commission, was contacted and asked to provide copies of any guidelines it may have regarding elected officials. Nick said the commission deals with criminal matters and conflicts of interest.

“So they really don’t speak to conduct that may be deemed offensive and inappropriate. They just don’t cover it one way or the other,” he said. “That would be more of a local issue for the citizens, I suppose, or the council as a whole if it believed the officials was acting outside of whatever guidelines they’ve imposed. … There’s nothing under the ethics laws that either permits or prohibits that kind of conduct. That’s up to local authorities and local voters and local officials to address.”