Brekhus contributes money to Reno mayoral candidate Eddie Lorton

Anjeanette Damon | Reno Gazette-Journal

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Reno Councilwoman Jenny Brekhus contributed $250 to the man trying to oust Mayor Hillary Schieve.

But she says her contribution to businessman Eddie Lorton isn't an endorsement.

"Well, a contribution does not equate with an endorsement," she said in an interview with the Reno Gazette Journal on Tuesday. "I am neutral in this race and I'm trying to restore the long standing tradition of staying neutral in races with my colleagues."

Brekhus also gave Schieve $25 in 2017. She said she would have contributed to the mayor a second time if she had asked.

"I would've given to her again if she had asked," Brekhus said. "Eddie asked repeatedly. I don't agree with him all the time, but we have an amicable relationship."

Brekhus and Schieve have had a tumultuous relationship, often bickering over process and issues during council meetings.

Schieve contributed $500 to Brekhus' initial race in 2013. She did not contribute when Brekhus ran for re-election in 2016.

In 2016, Councilwoman Neoma Jardon, who Brekhus also had had a testy relationship, publicly endorsed Brekhus's opponent Victor Salcido just days before the election.

The contribution rankled Councilman David Bobzien, who went after Brekhus on Twitter.

"Please share with us Councilwoman Jenny Brekhus which aspects of the Lorton campaign you're supporting," Bobzien wrote. "The tactics? The invective? The well-reasoned policy proposals? The corrosive messages directed at our community members? Take your time- it's only our city's future at stake."

Brekhus said she had no response to Bobzien's prodding.