King Denies Intimidating Green

Louisville Metro Council President Jim King, D-10, is denying accusations that he intimidated Councilwoman Judy Green, D-1, leading up to her dual ethics hearings.Facing removal from the council after the Ethics Commission ruled she deliberately violated the city's code of ethics, Green and her supporters have made a number of wild allegations as of late.Speaking from the pulpit at King Solomon Baptist Church this Wednesday, Green's husband lashed out at King during a rally in support of his wife, alleging the council president told his wife he was set on removing her from the council long before the panel made its decision."She told Mr. King, 'You know I've not done anything, this is a political lynching.' Jim King responded, 'Some of your council might have the rope, I might as well bring the tar and feather,'" said James Green."He said it's going to be my mission to make sure I turn everyone in this council and in this community against you."In response, King denied the conversation took place and said he's been trying to keep the process fair leading up to her trial-like removal hearing."I am extremely upset and astonished to learn about the recent comments of James Green. These accusations are false and completely unfounded," King says. "Quite frankly, they are detrimental to the open and fair process we are trying to maintain. I have been nothing but courteous and respectful to Councilwoman Green and her husband. It is unfortunate that Mr. Green has resorted to using personal attacks against me to deflect attention away from the course of action the Metro Council has been asked to take by the Ethics Commission."Within 60 to 90 days the council will act as a court with subpoena power and decide by a two-thirds vote whether or not to oust the embattled councilwoman. Until then, Green is still a voting member of the council with all rights and privileges of an elected official.For the past week, she has engaged in an aggressive media campaign, denying any wrongdoing, refusing to resign and criticizing  her colleagues on camera while simultaneously seeking their support behind the scenes to retain her seat.Green lobbied several members in and out of the council chambers during this week’s budget meetings. However, she has alluded to ethical infractions being committed by lawmakers currently on the council, saying she won't "name names" when asked to specify those allegations.In a previous interview, Councilwoman Madonna Flood, D-24, one of five members who moved to impeach Green, told WFPL the unnecessary pressure is becoming a distraction and could potentially taint the process as well.“I will remind my colleague—and I have—that this is an ongoing process and it should not be tainted by discussing this, period,” Flood said.