Green submits documents for trial, supporters claim unfair treatment

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - After nearly a two week delay, an embattled Metro councilwoman has turned over documents to the panel that recommended her removal from office. But WAVE 3 has obtained records that show that Judy Green didn't submit the information that was requested of her.

Green was initially supposed to have documents turned over August 24, but her attorney said ongoing health issues prevented it. The documents that were submitted Tuesday didn't include tax records for the past two years and payroll information about the loan she used for a summer jobs program as expected.

As both sides prepare for her removal hearing, supporters are saying Green is being unfairly treated. Outside the Rev. Louis Coleman Community Center on Tuesday, about a dozen people from Concerned Citizens of District One stood up for Green.

"What is going on with Dr. Green is an atrocity," said Michael Jones, a Green supporter.

The supporters were armed with pages upon pages full of signatures, for what they call to "stop the lynching of Councilwoman Judy Green."

"Judy Green isn't doing anything wrong," said Jones. "She is doing everything that everyone else has done she's been cited out."

The group says Green is being treated unfairly by the Metro Council, which will soon consider whether to remove her for violating the city's ethics code.

Two ethics complaints were filed against Green this year. The first was over her management of a summer jobs program for youth, called the Green Clean Team, for which several of her relatives worked. The second, over her disbursement of a $7,500 grant to the non-profit 100 Black Men of Louisville.

Green's supporters acknowledged that she made mistakes in her handling of grant money, but say it went back to the community. They say the possibility of removing her is going too far and claim it's an issue of race.

"To me the whole hearing is about white privilege," said Gracie Lewis. "You wanna know what white privilege is? It's when you decide whatever a black person has to say. You do whatever you feel like."

Steve Haag, spokesperson for the Metro Council Court, said the whole process is a first for the council.

"We are doing everything possible to make sure this process is fair and equitable manner," said Haag.

As we are just days away from her removal hearing, supporters say the fight is just getting started.

"It's not over, they have awaken a sleeping giant," said supporter Denita Wright. "We want you to know, we know what happened and this is just the beginning."

We did make several attempts to reach Derwin Webb, Green's attorney, but out phone calls were not returned.

The Concerned Citizens of District One plan to hold a rally On Sept. 8 in support of Green.

The Metro Council Court is made up of 20 members, not including the five council members who want Green removed - Republicans Kevin Kramer and Stuart Benson, along with Democrats Tina Ward Pugh, Madonna Flood, and Barbara Shanklin. Two-thirds of the Metro Council Court has to find Green guilty in order for her to be removed.

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