Huber Heights is still without a representative for Ward 5 after a councilman questioned whether his colleagues would reject a candidate because of race and gender.
A motion to appoint Eva Newby to the council failed Monday night after Huber Heights City Councilman Ed Lyons asked fellow council members whether she would get a “fair shake based on her impressive resume.”
“One question that does come to mind is whether or not she’s capable of being voted on by this body based on her recommendations,” Lyons said. “And I do question whether Mrs. Newby is going to get the votes tonight because I know her gender is female and her race is African American.”
Five affirmative votes are needed to appoint the new council member. The motion to appoint Newby failed 3-3 with one abstention.
In addition to Newby, the council also voted on a motion to appoint Jerry Wamsley. This motion failed 4-3.
If the council does not act on the Ward 5 vacancy before midnight tonight, then the power to appoint will move to Mayor Tom McMasters.
Several council members criticized Lyons for his comments and denied his suggestion that race and gender would be a factor in their decision on who to appoint to the council.
“Ed is about the stupidest person I think I ever met and a sleazeball,” McMasters said. “And if he had any love for the city, he would resign.”