EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — Two members of the Snohomish County Fire District Board of Commissioners who made racially insensitive comments about Mexican laborers avoided disciplinary action by voting against the idea.

Commissioners Bob Meador and David Chan on Friday each voted no, resulting in a 2-2 tie and the action failed. One member of the five-member panel was absent.

At a March 7 public meeting during a break but with microphones turned on, Chan joked about hiring a Mexican paramedic because that would be cheaper.

Meador said he didn't want to hire immigrants because they can't do the job.

A union for firefighters provided recordings of the remarks to news media. Union leadership says the two commissioners should resign.

Meador and Chan apologized repeatedly at the meeting on Friday.

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