The Hamilton County Democratic Party has clarified what happened in naming Dr. Crystal Neumann to fill a Fishers City Council seat, saying there was a lack of a quorum at the caucus of precinct officials, resulting in County Chair Dayna Colbert appointing the member of the council.

A news release issued the day of the scheduled caucus said Dr. Neumann “was selected” to fill the council opening.  In a piece published Thursday in the Hamilton County Reporter, Fred Swift reported the “absence of properly certified committeemen” led to county chair Dayna Colbert appointing Dr. Neumann to fill the council seat through 2023.

“After reviewing the statement issued after the caucus, I have concluded that the language used in the statement did not meet the expectations of transparency I have set forth in leading our party forward,” Colbert said in a news release.

On the day of the scheduled caucus, the number of precinct committee members in attendance did not reach the legal definition of a quorum, according to local Democrats.  In the news release, Colbert said by making the appointment, “I fulfilled my obligation to fill the vacancy as mandated by the state code.”

Dr. Neumann was named to replace Councilor Samantha DeLong, who is moving to Nevada.

“I regret that our previous statement did not live up to our own values and will continue to work to improve our communication as we move forward,” Colbert said . “I, together with the Hamilton County Democratic Party, welcome and expect to be held accountable by residents.”