LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Metro Council Charging Committee has recommended the council move forward with removing Republican Councilman Anthony Piagentini.
This comes after an Ethic's Commission found him guilty of six ethics violations in October. The case involved a $40 million American Rescue Plan grant Piagentini co-sponsored for the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council, his future employer.
The six-member committee recommended the formal removal charges after an hour-long meeting behind closed doors.
According to a news release, the Committee filed a written complaint with the Metro Council Clerk, and the president will deliver that complaint to the full council on Thursday.
“After thorough review of the evidence in this matter and in light of the Ethics Commission’s recommendation for removal due to misconduct on the part of Councilman Piagentini, the Committee is obliged to uphold the integrity of the Metro Council and move forward with removal charges,” Vice Chair Councilman Owen said.
The formal complaint accuses Piagentini of eight charges for "misconduct or willful neglect in the performance of the duties of his office."
In response, Piagentini sent this statement to WHAS11 News:
My side has been consistent. I am pleased the Commission finally took action so I can demonstrate publicly that these charges are not true. I will be requesting that we schedule the hearing as soon as possible so I can demonstrate to my colleagues that these charges are simply false and are consistent with a partisan move to remove me from office.
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