After six weeks of controversy, unethical actions and ineffective leadership, Democrat Stephen Clay is no longer president of the Indianapolis City County Council.
My preliminary research shows that Clay is the shortest – serving president in the council’s history and for good reason. His disruptive and divisive style has left the public distrustful and council Democrats more vulnerable than they have been in recent years.
But that is all in the past.
The future is bright now.
Councilor Vop Osili was unanimously supported by the full council to replace Clay. Osili garnered a statewide following in 2010 during his bid for Indiana Secretary of State. Though he didn’t win, he did break new ground as the first African American candidate for that office.
Osili was elected to the Indianapolis City-County Council in 2011 with more than 80 percent of the vote.
Osili has the intellect, decorum and ability to work across both sides of the aisle to move Indianapolis forward. Such characteristics are needed following Clay’s presidency.
It is important to note that Maggie Lewis, the longtime council president before Clay aligned himself with Republicans and a few Democrats, was a great leader and a history maker in her own right by being the first woman to lead the Indianapolis City-County Council. She served her constituents and greater Indianapolis with grace, compassion and dignity. Indianapolis is better because of Lewis’ efforts during her reign.
With Osili, Indianapolis is in good hands once again. I am confident the Nigerian native can restore the credibility of the Council. He will also work to reinstate the trust of local residents by assuring them that this “new” council has the public’s best interests at heart and are committed to doing the work of the people. Since Clay was so inept as president people will pay extra close attention to Osili and his efforts. 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.
Though Clay’s six weeks as president were painful, good did come out of it. The Democratic caucus set aside whatever bickering existed previously to address the Clay debacle. In addition, the public came together to voice their concerns with Clay and the Republicans for the unjustified firings of three city workers and side deals that were made. Taxpayers have the right to express their opinions and hold elected officials accountable. That happened throughout the past month-and-a-half and it was gratifying to see such strong activism. Another good thing that occurred during Clay’s presidency is the superior work that journalists throughout Indianapolis did to thoroughly investigate Clay himself and even claims he made. The latter, which proved Clay’s claims of improper procedures were invalid, was probably one of the strongest nails in his presidency’s coffin.
A few weeks ago I wrote how it was sad and truly unfortunate that Clay played so dirty in his quest to become president. I also expressed my disappointment with some of his antics against city workers and minority members of his caucus – particularly during Black History Month when not only the country should recognize Blacks and our contributions to society, but we should also recognize, honor and respect one another. These last six weeks have been long and dark…my heart was heavy every time I learned of some mean-spirited, unethical and outright devious thing Clay either said or did; most of which I never wrote about or shared publically. However, as I mentioned before, hope is here…and just in time to wrap up Black History Month with the dignity that we know we all so desperately want restored. I offer Osili a sincere congratulations. To Maggie Lewis, I say thank you for so effectively doing the work of a great leader. In regards to Clay, I hope his heart is softened, he takes a long look at the man in the mirror and his approach toward future quests are done significantly different than his latest efforts.
