LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Two big debates are happing in Louisville Metro Council this week, stemming from the same incident: a member's future on council and how to spend $40 million.
For only the fourth time in 20 years, a Metro Council member is facing possible removal. That member is Anthony Piagentini, a Republican representing District 19.
The charging committee, which includes three council newcomers, is meeting twice this week as they decide whether to move forward with charges against one of their own.
Less than two minutes after Councilwoman Cindi Fowler opened Monday's Metro Charging Committee meeting, the group left the room with their attorney, leaving the council chambers empty for more than an hour.
"We basically were going over the testimony from the ethics trial, and just looking at the findings," said Fowler (D-14), who was elected chair of the committee last week.
The only public discussion was the addition of Jennifer Chappell to the committee. Chappell, a Democrat, joins the five other members who are also Democrats. Fowler said no Republican councilmembers ever responded to join the committee.
"Their input, to me, would be very valuable," she said.
The committee is determining whether to file charges against Councilman Piagentini. Last month, the Louisville Metro Ethics Commission unanimously found Piagentini violated six of seven charges connected to his role in co-sponsoring the ordinance to allocate $40 million in federal funding for his future employer, Louisville Healthcare CEO Council, also known as CEOc.
Anthony Piagentini watches proceedings during his ethics trial in downtown Louisville, Aug. 2023 (WDRB photo)
"I did not violate the law. I never used my office for personal gain. Never," Piagentini said previously. "I would rather die than accept what they have accused me of."
The commission also recommended Piagentini be removed from Metro Council and imposed a $500 fine for each violation — for a total of $3,000.
Councilman Kevin Kramer, a longtime Republican councilmember, has previously said he saw no evidence from the findings of the ethics investigation that merits Piagentini's removal.
Despite not having GOP representation, Fowler said the now six-member committee is still examining the testimony.
"You need to look at the facts of the case and then make a determination," she said.
That determination is whether to move the case to a trial.
Another meeting is set for Friday, and another will likely be scheduled next week. If the committee decides to file charges, each side has 30 days to decide if they're ready for trial once an announcement is made. If not, they could get an extension.
Meanwhile, how the city will use the $40 million in CEOc grants — revoked by Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg last month — remains undecided. Greenberg wants to use the funding for city parks and libraries.
Some councilmembers who want to see more details about how the money will be spent before approving the funds. Instead of voting on the proposal at last week's Council meeting, they chose to send it back to committee, and another discussion about the money is set for this week.
Related Stories:
- Metro Council committee holds first meeting in Piagentini ethics case
- Metro Council panel advances plan for $40 million in grants pulled after ethics ruling
- Metro Council committee reviewing Piagentini ethics case won't have GOP seat
- Metro Council close to forming Piagentini review committee
- Greenberg revokes $40 million in CEOc grants over 'unethical' actions
- Metro Council considers next steps after Piagentini ethics ruling
- Louisville commission finds Metro Councilman Anthony Piagentini committed ethics violations, recommends removal
Copyright 2023 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
