The saga of the Indianapolis City-County Council continues. This week, Council President Stephen Clay called a dramatic press conference that included a plastic bag with shredded documents. Clay alleged that his predecessor, Maggie Lewis, wrongfully approved pay increases for staffers. He also claimed that three staffers that he fired last week or their supporters destroyed classified documents.
Because of the savvy reporting of some of Indianapolis’ most seasoned and respected journalists that represent various media entities, Clay’s accusations were debunked the same day.
As I watched Clay’s press conference, I saw a desperate man who attempted to use theatrics to illustrate his claims of misdeeds.
Clay needs to stop with the antics. He is a narcissist who thinks everyone is against him, so he is determined to expose people for their wrongdoings, when he is actually the person who is doing all the unethical things such as betraying his caucus members, working side deals with members of the opposing political party, incorporating civilians in city business and meetings that they shouldn’t be privy to and bringing forth allegations that have proven to be completely false.
Clay is a dangerous man who will go to any length to attempt to detract the public from reality while pushing his own agenda. Currently, Clay is president of the council. So at least for now, he has what he wants – the top spot. Instead of being productive and working to unify his caucus and do the work of the people – which he was elected to do by his constituents and fellow council members – he is focusing his time on things that are completely unfounded. Clay wants us all to believe that everyone else is underhanded, when actually the common denominator in all this council drama is him – he is the shady one.
He should be ashamed.
I am proud of every journalist in this city who are expertly upholding the integrity of the profession by doing due diligence to report the truth. I applaud my fellow reporters for not falling for the old switch and bait that Clay is throwing our way. We are not allowing distractions and the pitch of different story angles to cloud our desire to intelligently ask the tough questions and do the homework involved in proving or disproving Clay’s claims.
It saddens me to think that during Black History Month, there is such division in the Black community politically and otherwise. Clay should be using his time to unify the Democratic Party and focus on the people’s work. After such a rocky and controversial start to his presidency, he should be working to bring the council together to address the issues that are plaguing the Indianapolis community and affecting the everyday lives of people. Issues such as crime, education and economic development should be the topics of his press conferences rather than false allegations. As a matter of fact, Clay shouldn’t even hold any press conferences. Instead, he should put his nose to the ground and get to work. How great would it be for the media and public to report on something positive the Clay has accomplished in his time as president. Come February 19, Clay may be voted out of his current seat. Based on his actions thus far as well as his previous inexperience, I am in support of him being ousted. He is not fit to run government. The City of Indianapolis does not need such a person at the helm of the council. Clay needs to go and someone more effective with a proven track record needs to lead the council – be it Lewis or someone else.
From my estimation, Lewis did a good job as president. We certainly didn’t experience these shenanigans under her leadership and with the exception of Clay’s political chess game, the Democratic caucus was unified. Oh how I long for the day when the most exciting thing derived from a council meeting is a key budget vote or the passage of some feel-good proclamation that recognizes a resident or community leader for their hard work.
I recently had a conversation with a newspaper publisher from Texas. We were discussing politics and the crazy things occurring in our respective cities. He was floored when I told him about the mess that is now the Indianapolis City-County Council.
Indianapolis deserves more than what we are currently getting from Clay and other council members. I hope we get our just-due soon.
