AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin city councilmember has filed an ethics complaint against her opponent in the November election.
Incumbent councilmember Mackenzie Kelly, who currently represents District 6, claims that challenger Krista Laine has not submitted the necessary financial records required by state law.
Kelly claims that Laine did not submit a personal financial statement when she announced her candidacy. A personal financial statement is a record of a candidate's sources of income, debts and financial interests.
Kelly claims that Laine should face fines and legal penalties for missing the Sept. 9 deadline to submit the information.
"Transparency is not optional – it's a cornerstone of ethical governance," Kelly said. "When a candidate fails to file their financial disclosures, it raises serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest and a disregard for the rules we are all required to follow."
Kelly referred to the complaint as "a call for accountability of my opponent, even as a candidate," further urging the Austin Ethics Review Commission to "take strong action against my opponent to teach a lesson so that she will comply and others will see the example set."
In response, Laine said in a statement that the "personal financial statement has been submitted, and all necessary forms will be submitted in short order," claiming that the delay came as a result of a clerical oversight.
"I remain committed to transparency and accountability," the statement concluded.