I haven't seen a complete story. Another story said the city was under a federal court order to desegregate, and her words came from her testimony in the case. And local redistricting is always going to be bare-knuckled groups jockeying for power (what were Eldridge Gerry's dates?). I haven't seen anything about her role in that particular mess that I think would disqualify her.
It might be enlightening to read a complete, fair, well-informed piece on the situation. But I doubt one exists.
Agreed, and if subtly asked, all this could be learned in the hearings.