EVANSTON — A candidate for the Evanston City Council has decided to stay in the race despite some negative news coverage last week that outed her adult-oriented business and alter-ego.

Deborah Reno said she was “ambushed” by KUTV 2 News Friday afternoon while she was working with a client at her massage business. The news crew confronted Reno about her alter-ego Mystee Crockett, who had a now-deleted adult-oriented Twitter account and was featured on other sites selling previously-worn panties and gym shorts.

She said people around town had been made aware of “Crockett” shortly before a candidate meet and greet held Thursday by the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. According to the KUTV report, Reno wasn’t sure on Friday whether she would withdraw from the race in which she faces Mikal Welling. The two are vying for Wendy Schuler’s Ward 1 seat on the council; Schuler is running unopposed for a state senate seat.

“I believe this is a political hatchet job of the worst kind,” Reno told the Herald. “This is exactly why good people don’t get into politics. It’s mean, divisive and destructive. Together, we ought to be empowering, energizing and uplifting our community instead of going out of our way to hurt people. If I were not running for office, this would not be news.”

Reno said she plans to stay in the race so people have a choice in the Nov. 6 election.

“Leaving the race gives people no options,” she said. “Secondly, I do not think my clothing-selling business detracts from my ability to serve my community. My heart, commitment and passion for Evanston are what drove me to run in the first place, and that hasn’t changed.”

Reno, a former reporter and sales associate for the Herald, said that moving forward, she plans to continue to serve the community, whether or not she gets elected.

“I think I am the best candidate to move Evanston forward,” she said. “If the voters agree, then we will move forward together, and people will know that I come from a place of compassion and not judgment. If I am not elected, then I will continue my work as a writer, healer, yoga instructor and massage therapist. I plan to stay involved in the community in as many different places as I am able.”

Reno also apologized to everyone she’s disappointed but said her side business didn’t change the nature of who she is or her strong desire to serve the community.

Welling said he first heard about Reno’s alter-ego Thursday evening during the candidate meet and greet. He said he heard it from a reliable source, and he had nothing to do with how quickly the news spread around town.

“I was also blind-sided by KUTV News when they called me and asked for an interview,” Welling told the Herald in an email. “I was out of town so I just sent them a statement. If my opponent is pointing the finger at me or anyone in my family, she is completely wrong.”