Springfield City Council President Whitfield repeatedly violates conflict-of-interest laws

The president of the Springfield City Council is facing allegations of ethical violations stemming from claims of improper conduct related to city contracts and disclosure requirements. 2018 is reporter Nicole buddy joins us live in studio with the latest C. R. Nix Springfield City Council making the request to the city's law department over the weekend. They asked to further investigate into Councilor Tracy Whitfield. That review now reporting she violated state conflict of interest laws. It's really about uh the last five years starting in 2021. We saw the participation at an auction in 2022. There was meetings with department heads, the law department for the city of Springfield concluding Springfield City Council President Whitfield violated conflict of interest laws according to supporting documents released thursday afternoon. She was trying to advance the agenda of their property development company for her own financial interest. Councilor Whitfield's latest violation taking place earlier this month. Records indicate that both Whitfield and her son are employees of the firm. Did you have an approximate date as like you mentioned several events? The councilor participated in auctions going back to 2021 of city owned property under city rules. Elected officials are required to disclose any personal or financial relationships. An individual um is using their position of authority to gain access and to try to manipulate the system to their own financial benefit. A letter from the city of Springfield Law Department breaks down the findings of the review to Springfield City Council. That information now being shared with the state's ethics commission. It will be up to them on what they do with the case. This legal review from the city of Springfield's law department is about 100 pages long. It also includes emails to those department heads. Councilor Whitfield reached out to working for you. Nicole Buddy 22 News.