Fischer Hopes Ethics Charges “Work Out” for Green

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer hopes everything will “work out” for embattled Councilwoman Judy Green, D-1, who is awaiting the verdicts in two separate charges that are before the city’s ethics commission.Green is accused of using a city-funded program to benefit members of her family and re-routing funds through a non-profit group to other organizations. Fischer said he is following the case, but not beyond the "headline level" in media reports.“I’ve known her for several years and she’s a nice person and tries to do the best job everyday," he said. "And let’s hope this works out okay for her."State finance records show the mayor’s father, George, and sister, Lynne, who worked on his campaign, both contributed to Green’s re-election bid against Ray Barker, Sr., who filed the first complaint against the councilwoman.Fischer said that doesn’t influence his views on the case and did not defend Green, but said the councilwoman is trying to serve her constituents.The mayor did indicate he’s concerned about the charges being levied at Green, but he will not get involved in the ethics hearing or any subsequent council action unless asked to do so.“I’m concerned anytime there’s an allegation in the community from anybody that things are not working as they should be regardless if it’s Metro Council, if it’s the mayor or anybody," Fischer said. "The important thing is we have a process like we have right now to investigate those things, let everybody have their fair say on what happens, don’t pre-judge people and then live with the outcome of that."Unintentional ethics violations can result in no penalty or a letter of reprimand. Intentional violations allow for a range of punishments, including a public censure, hefty fines and removal from office.Last month, Council President Jim King, D-10, hired a special counsel to review the charges and advise council members on what steps—if any— should be taken once the inquiry concludes.The ethics commission is scheduled to hold its final deliberation on the first charge facing Green this Friday.