WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, ALRussellville city councilman calls the rest of council racists

A Russellville city councilman claims racism after the council voted on an open position in his district.

"It's my job to make my selection in my district. That is the way that I look at it," said Russellville Councilman Lanny Hubbard.

Hubbard said no other councilman supported his local board recommendation during Monday's night meeting. Hubbard called the rest of the council racists and asked if it was a "black thing." Hubbard is Russellville's only black councilman.

"Not allowing me to make my selection is one of the most degrading and disgusting things," Hubbard told WAFF during a phone interview Tuesday. 

Hubbard also claims this isn't the first time the council has done something like this.

Hubbard wouldn't go into more details when asked. He did call the situation mind boggling. Opinions are split over his comments. He says he's seen an upswing in attention since he called out the rest of the council. But the councilman told WAFF 48 he has no plans of taking the comments back.

Russellville Councilman Jeff Masterson sent WAFF 48 this statement regarding the councilman's comments:

"It disappoints me that in the year 2012  Councilman Hubbard would play the race card over not getting his way. Everyone attending the meeting saw Hubbard failed the people of his district by not recommending nor disclosing who he preferred for the civil service slot that he feels is his, Not to mention he has failed on occasion to honor other councilman recommendations for board selections. The slot needed to be filled, and after giving Hubbard  plenty of opportunity to make a motion, I as any one of our council has the right to do, recommended someone who will represent dist 4 and the city in a fair and professional manner, who I might add is of the same sex and race as the outgoing board member. How that's being racist is a mystery to me. As a matter of fact I've already heard from several residents of District 4 applauding our selection. I like Lanny and I hate he's upset, but I believe when he's had time for this to sink in, he'll see that this was a good selection. He and I may even go fishing or something and let everyone else argue for a while." Jeff Masterson, Russellville City Council District 1.

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