Green responds to Heiner's accusations of 'deal' with Fischer

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Louisville, KY - By Jon Chrisos - bio | email

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - In the race to be Louisville's next mayor, Republican Hal Heiner is accusing his opponent of promising a political position in exchange for an endorsement. Heiner says Democrat Greg Fischer worked out a deal with former Independent candidate Jackie Green.

"Influence over the power and authority of a metro development agency was traded for a political endorsement," Heiner claimed Monday. He says Fischer was part of a back room deal - specifically that Fischer promised Green a position in his new Office of Sustainability in exchange for his endorsement.

On Tuesday we visited Green's home to pose the question: "Has Fischer promised you a position if he's mayor?"

"No, Fischer has promised no position to me," Green replied. "Fischer has committed to Louisville that the Green campaign will have a significant influence in forming that office."

Heiner is calling for full disclosure and wants Fischer to release emails between his campaign and Green.

"Let's release the documents in the name of openness and transparency so the taxpayers can see exactly what was traded for that endorsement," Heiner said during a news conference Monday afternoon.

In response, Fischer sent the following statement: "The only promise I made to Jackie Green was to protect our environment and to seek his input as we determine how best to do that. I welcome his support - and the support of all those who are passionate about making Louisville a greener city."

We asked Green to show us the emails, but he refused.

"At this point in time the discussion is between Greg and Hal," Green said. "I'm out of the race. Those two gentlemen have much at stake here."

Green told us he might want to work for Fischer in his new Office of Sustainability if Fischer wins. Green says he endorsed Fischer because they're closer on social issues, but he also called Heiner a great, intelligent man who loves Louisville.