LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Metro Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin has filed a response with the city Ethics Commission regarding the ethics complaint against her.
The complaint was filed last month by Prospect attorney Richard Beliles. It claimed Shanklin used her position and taxpayer money to help her family and friends.
But the attorney for Barbara Shanklin says the complaint is based on allegations in newspaper articles, and not fact. And they believe that's not enough justification for the complaint.
Shanklin's attorney Aubrey Williams says, "That's absurd and borders on the obscene to suggest that they can proceed against Dr. Shanklin based on this complaint."
Richard Beliles tells WDRB, information from the media and public records are sometimes the only way citizens can find out about situations like this.
"As a citizen, we can't attend all the hearings and be privy to all the events that occur with the Metro Councilwoman, so that's the only way we can do it," says Richard Beliles.
Williams says, it's required by the city ethics code that complaints be based on facts.
He is asking that the complaint be dismissed. Williams says Shanklin hasn't done anything wrong.
That's something Richard Beliles says he just wants to confirm.
"In a way, I hope my complaint is not correct. Maybe she hasn't done anything wrong, and that's fine. If it is, I'll dismiss the complaint, but at this point it does not appear that way," says Richard Beliles.
The commission has scheduled its own hearing for August 22nd.
Richard Beliles says he plans to file another motion early next week.
Meanwhile, Metro Police are also investigating Shanklin's handling of funds.
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