WEST ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A member of the West St. Paul City Council has a Confederate flag hanging outside his home, and he said he's not worried what people think of it.

Ed Hansen said it's his house, and the flag represents his free speech.

He told the St. Paul Pioneer Press he's not concerned that the Confederate flag has been known as a controversial symbol of racism.

He said he's not racist, even though people like to play the race card when they don't get their way.

Mayor John Zanmiller said he would prefer the flag wasn't there. He asked Hansen to take it down, but acknowledged the decision is ultimately Hansen's.

Jay Brunn is building a house next door. He said the flag has caused one prospective buyer to shy away.