Long-time Evansville city councilwoman Connie Robinson is leaving the Democratic party. She’ll finish her term as an Independent.
In an email to Vanderburgh County Democratic Chairman Scott Danks, Robinson says the party is now “a party of regression and racist sentiments.”
Robinson, the only African American on city council, says in the email two things made her come to the decision.
The first, allegations of racism surrounding the primary campaign of Democratic city councilwoman Missy Mosby. Mosby has denied those accusations.
The second, what Robinson calls malicious comments made about Rev. William Payne, an African American activist, during a city council meeting Monday.
In her email, Robinson says Democratic leadership’s failure to condemn what happened essentially condones it.
County Democratic chairman Scott Danks declined an interview, but he said in a statement that he’s saddened by Robinson’s decision. He added that the party’s central committee will meet later this week to discuss her concerns.
Robinson isn't running for re-election this fall. Democrat Alex Burton and Republican Archie Carter are vying for her seat.
