LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The stage is set for a rare trial in Louisville's Metro Council about the removal of a council member.
Councilman Anthony Piagentini's 25 colleagues will decide his future in a series of hearings set to begin on Monday, Feb. 26.
President Markus Winkler (D-17) said they will begin at 5 p.m. each day that is necessary for the trial.
After that announcement at Wednesday night's meeting, the Council deliberated over a motion from Piagentini's team to dismiss two of the charges against him.
Last year, the recommendation from the Ethics Commission was to remove Piagentini from office after they found that he had committed violations connected to his role in co-sponsoring an ordinance that sent millions of dollars to his future employer.
A charging committee comprised of all Democrats filed eight charges, six from the Ethics investigation and added two more, fraud and perjury. Those were the two charges that were the subject of the motion to dismiss.
"Allowing those charges to stand would be unconstitutional, unwise and they will be unnecessary," J. Brooken Smith, Piagentini's attorney, said.
Smith argued that the Metro Council should not be deciding charges that are criminal in nature.
"Allowing these charges to go forward would open a Pandora's box that would not serve this institution well in the long run," Smith said.
Kent Wicker, attorney for the charging committee, reminded everyone this is not a criminal proceeding.
"But the question for you is are they misconduct? Because misconduct is the only question that is for you to decide," Wicker said.
At the end of the meeting, a majority of the Council voted to keep the charges in place, meaning Piagentini's fellow colleagues will weigh eight charges against him and potentially, his removal.
It will take 18 votes to remove Piagentini. The Council jury will consist of 16 Democrats, one Independent, and eight Republicans. Piagentini does not get a vote.
Related Stories:
- Louisville councilman facing removal over ethics violations loses leadership position
- Louisville Metro Council hears charges filed against Anthony Piagentini in ethics case
- Louisville Metro Council committee recommends removal charges for Anthony Piagentini in ethics case
- Metro Council member Anthony Piagentini appeals guilty ruling in ethics trial
- Metro Council committee reviewing Piagentini ethics case won't have GOP seat
- Metro Council close to forming Piagentini review committee
- Metro Council considers next steps after Piagentini ethics ruling
- Louisville commission finds Metro Councilman Anthony Piagentini committed ethics violations, recommends removal
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
