Memphis city councilwoman’s seat could be in jeopardy after ethics complaint

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - One city leader’s seat on the Memphis City Council could be in jeopardy after an ethics complaint was filed against her.

District 7 Councilwoman Michalyn Easter-Thomas is accused of violating the city charter for working for the nonprofit organization Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP), the group that works closely with the city’s parks department.

The complaint was filed on January 25 by an East Memphis resident.

It alleges Councilwoman Easter-Thomas is violating Article 5, Sections 20 (A) and (B) of the city charter stating “no commissioner shall be connected with or interest in, directly or indirectly, any contract with the city.”

Easter-Thomas began her role with the Memphis River Parks Partnership in May 2023.

She has recused herself from votes related to Memphis Parks and MRPP, most recently when City Parks Director Nick Walker was up for reappointment.

Ethics Board Chairman, retired Judge Karen R. Williams sent a letter to Easter-Thomas on January 10 about receiving a request for a formal ethics opinion on her role with MRPP and whether or not it violated the city’s code of ethics.

Easter-Thomas was served an official complaint on February 5.

In a statement, Easter-Thomas’ attorney Andre Wharton told Action News 5:

The ethics board is giving Easter-Thomas until the close of business on February 19 to respond to the complaint.

The board will meet to discuss the complaint again on March 6.

Action News 5 reached out to Memphis River Parks Partnership for comment on this story.

We are waiting to hear back.

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