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

Sexton said the investigation into the complaint begins immediately, but it may take a few weeks to reach a decision.

Sexton said he received the complaint on October 23, 2024, filed by local IAFF president Ted Bush.

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

“On the afternoon of October 29, I received a response from Ms. Wu, which I requested under Ordinance 52-549,” Sexton said. “This ordinance provides the process for filing, processing, and making decisions about ethics complaints.”

Wu called the complaint against him “false and frivolous.” He said the firefighters union was trying to damage his reputation and denied “any and all” of the allegations.

Wu said he supports public safety, including the Wichita Fire Department. He said he would allow the Ethics Board “to do its work confidentially and without public interference” and that he would cooperate fully.

Sexton said his role includes presenting the results of the investigation and legal advice to the Ethics Board in an executive session, after which the board will make decisions and vote at a public meeting.

The board’s report will be published on the Ethics Board page of Wichita.gov in Ethics Board | Wichita, Kansas.

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