RENO, Nev. (AP) — A Nevada city council has voted for a man to fill a vacant seat after two councilmen questioned a female candidate's ability to do the job while raising a family, officials said.
Ely Councilmen Kurt Carson and Jim Alworth questioned Michelle Beecher's commitment to the job, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported Wednesday.
Beecher, an economic development official, narrowly lost a bid for a council seat in 2018 and was one of two nominees for an open council seat this month, city officials said.
The Ely City Council voted for Ed Spear to fill the position during the Sept. 18 meeting.
However, residents in support of Beecher have criticized Spear for already announcing he would miss the next two city council meetings.
Ely Mayor Nathan Robertson nominated Beecher for a council seat and cast the lone vote in favor of her appointment at last week's meeting, according to city officials.
Beecher could fill another vacancy Thursday created by a member who resigned last week, city officials said. Beecher is the only candidate.
Beecher told the Gazette-Journal that she was deeply affected by the community's response to last week's appointment snub.
"It has been overwhelming to say the least," she said. "I'm impressed to live in a community that understands the value of a working parent. That's been really cool to see."
