Wichita’s mayor is fired after a firefighter union filed an ethics complaint

WICHITA, KS (KWCH) – Renewal: Wichita Mayor Lily Wu responded to an ethics complaint filed against her by the union that represents Wichita firefighters, IAFF Local 35. The complaint centered around a meeting Wu reportedly had with Wichita Fire Chief Tammy Snow, during which, according according to the union, Wu told the chief that the department would have to cut 42 positions.

Wu made the following statement:

“While the firefighter union chose to file a false and frivolous complaint and then publicize the allegations through a press release in an apparent attempt to further their goal of damaging my reputation, I respect the Ethics Board’s right to conduct its work in confidence. and without public intervention.

I vehemently deny any allegations. I will provide a written response tomorrow (Tuesday) and will fully cooperate with any further investigation.

My support for public safety, including the Wichita Fire Department, is well documented. This is just a continuation of the union’s repeated attacks and attempts to damage my reputation that began during last year’s mayoral campaign.”

The union representing Wichita firefighters has filed an ethics complaint against Wichita Mayor Lily Wu. The complaint concerns a meeting the mayor reportedly had with Wichita Fire Chief Tammy Snow and a personnel directive given outside the public meeting.

The International Association of Firefighters, Local 135 (IAFF Local 35), said it filed a complaint against Wu last Wednesday, Oct. 23, alleging that he “improperly influenced and instructed the department head.” The union pointed to a city ordinance that, in its opinion, the mayor violated.

“During the meeting with Chief Snow, IAFF Local 135 President Ted Bush was informed by Chief Snow that Mayor Lily Wu had come to her personally, outside of any public City Council meeting or event, and told her that Chief Snow should resign 42 fire department employees services to Wichita until the end of 2025 and that she had no choice in the matter,” the union said.

IAFF Local 135 said Chief Snow told Bush the meeting was entirely at Wu’s discretion.

“According to Chief Snow, Mayor Wu visited her office and informed her of the above and told her that she did not care how she performed, but that she should cut 42 positions. Chief Snow agreed to the layoff, but advised her of the extremely negative impact it would have on the Wichita Fire Department and the City of Wichita,” the union said.

The trade union referred to the order, which the mayor was accused of violating. In a press release announcing its complaint, IAFF Local 35 provided the following text from the resolution.

Individual council members shall not give any directions or instructions to department heads or other city employees, who shall immediately transmit such directions to the city manager, who shall in turn bring such impropriety to the attention of the entire council for such action. as may be appropriate in each individual case.” (Nar. No. 47-858, ch. 17, 3-28-08).

“Mayor Woo’s communication to Chief Snow clearly violated the above ordinance by attempting to exercise undue influence and/or coercion by one City Council member on a department head, specifically the way the department head manages his department, which is strictly prohibited by ordinance, is improper and unethical,” said the IAFF Local 35 press release.

The union also cited a study obtained by the city of Wichita that “indicates the department is more than 100 members short at current levels.”

In September 2022 City of Wichita Receives $10.2 Million FEMA Grant to Hire 42 Firefighters. Chief Snow said the department plans to put two additional truck companies into service. She said the department may also add a fourth firefighter to the department’s existing truck companies.

Regarding the complaint against the Wichita mayor, Union President Ted Bush issued the following statement:

“As a concerned member of Local 135 and a member of this community, I believe that transparency and accountability are critical to maintaining public trust in our city officials and our public safety services. Because of this, any potential violation of city ordinances or ethical standards by officials must be investigated thoroughly and fairly. We all count on a fair and transparent process by the City of Wichita Board of Ethics, and we trust the board’s ability to objectively evaluate the evidence and make a decision.

Decisions on expenses are made by the full composition of the city council and the mayor. Hiring decisions are made by departments. Any attempt to circumvent this process is deeply troubling. The impact of this conversation, in particular, could seriously harm our ability to protect the citizens of Wichita and each other.

The citizens of Wichita and the firefighters who serve them deserve leaders who act with integrity and honesty, and it is imperative that this matter be taken seriously. If the investigation confirms that local ordinances and/or ethical principles have been violated, appropriate action must be taken as soon as possible.”

The union also reacted strongly to a reported request to downsize after a