COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — The race for Commerce Township supervisor is taking a turn as one candidate diagnosed with cancer said another divulged that diagnosis to the public before he could tell his friends and family.
Larry Gray said his daughter found out about the diagnosis from a now-deleted Facebook Live video posted by his opponent, Dave Scott, who said he was only trying to wish Gray well.
“Everybody say a prayer for Larry, Larry is a friend of mine. I’m not gonna be shy about this. Say a prayer for Larry. Larry has just been diagnosed with cancer. He’s going to be enduring some very aggressive surgery. to his jaw to his face. I pray that Larry is well," Scott said in the post.
Gray said it was the first time his daughter heard the news, and posted a video of his own.
“I was taken by surprise today when Dave Scott, our current supervisor, decided to publicize my health concerns," Gray said.
Scott however said it was his understanding the news was already public knowledge.
“I was shocked when people started calling me and saying, ‘Why did you out Larry?’ I said ‘I didn’t out Larry. I was told by people at a club that we are both members of about this. I was told by multiple coworkers of his,'" Scott said. "I mean no harm. I have nothing but praise and I will do everything to help him.
Gray believes the disclosure was politically motivated, saying he only told the fire chief and his brotherhood of firefighters.
“You know, Dave, If you had something wrong with you and I found out… It’s not up to me to blurt it and tell everybody what your diagnosis is," Gray said.
Gray's surgery was scheduled for Wednesday. He said while he will be recovering, he'll prepare for the August primary and November election.
