Councilwoman accuses City Council of ethics violations

Colorado Springs City Councilwoman Helen Collins is firing back at her fellow council members.

In June, City Council voted to bring ethics charges against Collins.

Collins posted what she is calling a counterattack on her website. She said City Council is trying to smear her reputation ahead of her 2017 re-election campaign.

Councilman Keith King said that’s not the case.

“We are not targeting anybody. We are trying to follow the charter and do what is right for the charter,” said King.

A complaint filed against Collins alleges that she participated in a real estate deal with TABOR author Douglas Bruce that helped him avoid paying a court judgment to the city.

Collins said the complaint has no merit and is calling out what she said is unethical behavior involving other council members, who she refers to as “The Gang of 8.”

Collins alleges 15 ethics violations, including misuse of city funds and illegal utilities charges.

King said Collins is trying to shift blame about her own ethics violations.

“I think all of us try to serve ethically, we try to do the best job that we can and we try to follow the charter,” King said. “It’s unfortunate that this situation has arisen, but when that does happen, we have to have the integrity to do what we think is right.”