Wichita’s Ethics Board met Tuesday to review a complaint filed by the local firefighters union against Mayor Lily Wu, and the board ruled that she did not violate City Council policies in a meeting with Fire Chief Tammy Snow.
The firefighters union had claimed that Snow was ordered by the mayor to cut 42 positions during a discussion in October. The board’s report said in part, “During the investigation, Chief Snow was directly asked about the allegation that the Mayor told her to lay off the employees and the recording. She said the Respondent never instructed her to lay off any employees, and she never has.”
Mayor Wu issued a statement after the board’s decision:
“I appreciate the exoneration, but this claim was absurd. I have always supported our great firefighters. This was not just another case of a bully spreading lies in an attempt to damage my reputation while sowing division in our community. It was also a childish misuse of the Ethics Board, trivializing the serious nature of their work. It’s unfortunate Wichitans had to deal with this distraction, and a shame some believed the allegations.
Our firefighters deserve better. Wichita deserves better.
I will continue working with anyone who wants to improve the city we all love. Let’s come together and move Wichita forward!”
International Association of Firefighters – Local 135 President Ted Bush expressed frustration with the board’s ruling and said he will be looking for more clarification on the meeting between the mayor and fire chief.
