Green Seeks Further Delay for Removal Trial

Facing possible ouster from office, Louisville Metro Councilwoman Judy Green, D-1, is seeking another delay in her removal trial due to an undisclosed illness.In a motion filed Tuesday with the Metro Council Court, attorney Derwin Webb, who is representing Green, says the embattled councilwoman has been hospitalized for an undisclosed medical condition. Webb is seeking an extension of at least 30 days, which would push the trial back to October.The councilwoman reportedly checked herself into the hospital Monday night, but Webb admitted to other media outlets he hasn't spoken to his client in about a week. He was given that information by her husband, James Green."Councilwoman Green has been hospitalized and currently under doctor's care following a serious medical condition," Webb writes. "It is uncertain as to when she will be released from his care to return to work and prepare for the scheduled hearing."Earlier this year, the Metro Ethics Commission ruled Green deliberately violated the city's code of ethics in two separate complaints. In the first case, the panel recommended her removal and slapped Green with a letter of censure and public reprimand.In June, five council members signed a petition to expel Green with the remaining council members acting as a court to decide her fate by a two-thirds vote.The council court granted Green's first request for an extension over the objection of some members. It scheduled the hearing for September 12-14. Council rules give attorney Gregg Hovious, who represents the charging committee, five days to respond to Webb’s motion.The council court will meet to decide whether to grant the request by a majority vote.