An investigation into an ethics complaint filed against Wichita’s mayor has begun

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Kathy Sexton, Ethics Officer for the City of Wichita, released a statement Wednesday regarding an ethics complaint filed against Mayor Lily Wu by the International Association of Firefighters – Local 135.

Sexton said an investigation into the complaint begins immediately, but a decision could take several weeks.

Sexton said she received a complaint on Oct. 23, 2024, filed by local IAFF president Ted Bush.

The complaint centered around a meeting Wu reportedly had with Wichita Fire Chief Tammy Snow, during which the union said Wu told the chief the department would have to cut 42 positions.

“On the evening of October 29th, I received the response from Ms. Wu that I requested pursuant to Executive Order 52-549,” Sexton said. “This order defines the process for submitting, reviewing and deciding on complaints of ethical violations.”

Wu called the complaint against her “false and frivolous.” She said the firefighters union was trying to damage her reputation and denied “any” allegations.

Wu said she supports public safety, including the Wichita Fire Department. She said she would allow the ethics board to “do its work confidentially and without public interference” and was willing to cooperate fully.

Sexton said her duties include presenting the findings of the investigation and legal advice to the Board of Ethics in executive session, after which the board will make a decision and vote in open session.

The Board’s report will be posted on the Board of Ethics page Wichita.gov in Ethics Council Wichita, Kansas.