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Investigation into ethics complaint filed against Wichita mayor begins

Investigation into ethics complaint filed against Wichita mayor begins

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – City of Wichita Ethics Officer Kathy Sexton released a statement Wednesday regarding the ethics complaint filed against Mayor Lily Wu by the International Union of Fire Fighters – Local 135.

Sexton said an investigation into the complaint would begin immediately, but it could take several weeks to reach a decision.

Sexton said he received the complaint filed by local IAFF president Ted Bush on Oct. 23, 2024.

The complaint centered around a meeting Wu had with Wichita Fire Chief Tammy Snow, in which the union said Wu told the chief the department would have to cut 42 positions.

“On the evening of October 29, I received a response from Ms. Wu that I requested pursuant to Regulation 52-549,” Sexton said. “This regulation provides for the process for filing, processing, and adjudicating ethics complaints.”

Wu called the complaint against him “wrong and meaningless”. He said he was trying to damage the reputation of the firefighters’ union and denied “any” allegations.

Wu said he supports public safety, including the Wichita Fire Department. He said he would allow the Ethics Committee to “conduct its work confidentially and without public interference” and that he would cooperate fully.

Sexton said his job is to present the investigation’s findings and legal recommendations to the Ethics Board in executive session, after which the board will make decisions and vote at a public meeting.

The report of the Board will be published on the Ethics Committee page. Wichita.gov -most Ethics Committee | Wichita, KS.