With 2018 being an election year, it’s not surprising Indianapolis saw hot button political stories. Yet, one of the biggest occurred not in November but the year’s beginning: Stephen Clay’s time as president of the Indianapolis City-County Council. His tenure was a flash in the pan many are still talking about.
On Jan. 8, 2018, Clay, a Democrat, minister and head pastor of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, defeated incumbent President Maggie Lewis — a member of his own party — to become president. He secured the votes by reaching across the aisle and making deals with Republican council members, causing controversy among Democrats. Controversy continued as Clay accused his predecessor of wrongfully approving raises and causing an old sexual misconduct claim toward Clay to resurface. In addition, Clay fired three city staffers, claiming they destroyed classified documents.
People questioned the truthfulness of Clay’s accusations and the legality of the firings. Eight members of the council and a fired employee filed a lawsuit against Clay.
By the time Feb. 7, 2018 rolled around, Democrats expelled Clay from their caucus. By Feb. 19, 2018 Vop Osili replaced Clay as the new president. Clay spent a total of six weeks as City-County Council president, the shortest tenure of any Indianapolis City-Council president. In that time, his legal battles cost Marion County thousands. According to the final invoice, legal fees for Clay’s defense were $30,849.50, nearly three times Clay’s yearly salary as a councilman.
Clay also lost his position as chairman of the Public Safety Committee on Feb. 23, 2018. Many observers suggest Clay’s controversies will cause Indianapolis residents to closely monitor the council going forward.
“Since Clay was so inept as president people will pay extra close attention to Osili and his efforts,” former Recorder President and General Manager Shannon Williams wrote in an editorial column at the time. “Anything that looks questionable is surely to spur a reaction from the public, so Osili will have to lead responsibly and with integrity. From what I know of him, that won’t be difficult.”
Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, attorney, political analyst and publisher, believed the entire council was put under increased pressure. He said that councilors, especially those who voted for Clay, will be on public relations damage control for a while.
“You are about to get the best elected official ever, so if there’s a problem in your district, let them know,” Shabazz wrote at the time. “I think you will be pleasantly surprised on how well they respond to your inquiry.”
Vop Osili still serves as council president. Maggie Lewis, who represents District 10, was elected chair of the Democrats in December 2018. Clay still represents District 13 as councilman.
Contact staff writer Ben Lashar at 317-762-7848. Follow him on twitter @BenjaminLashar.
Stephen Clay
