An ethical complaint about a letter distributed on behalf of state House of Representatives candidate Mark Meadows to East Lansing residents is to be investigated, according to East Lansing city officials.

But Meadows' Republican opponent John Knowles and East Lansing city officials both question the allegations brought against him by a city resident.

"At first glance, we don't see a violation of the city ethics law," said East Lansing City Manager Ted Staton. "I don't think it will go very far."

The concern surrounds a letter sent by East Lansing planning and zoning administrator Bob Owen, defending Meadows after a critical brochure of Meadows was distributed by his Democratic primary opponent for the 69th District seat. Owen signed the bottom of his letter using his official title.

"Paid for by mark meadows for state representative" ran across the bottom.

Mary Lindemann, who lost the Democratic seat in an August primary to Meadows — former city mayor and council member — criticized Meadows' stance on environmental policy in a brochure during her primary campaign.

After reading Owen's letter, East Lansing resident Nancy Hammond filed a formal ethical complaint against Meadows and Owen with the city attorney on Aug. 17.

According to Hammond's written complaint, Owen gave preferential treatment to Meadows and both men failed to appear nonpartisan, committed actions undermining the public's confidence in the integrity of the city government and used an official position to give preferential treatment.

Hammond said in her complaint that those allegations violate city ordinances, though Staton, Meadows and Knowles, question her assertion. Knowles said although he knows Meadows to be a "good man," the letter did seem inappropriate.

"My only hope is that these charges receive a full and unbiased review by the proper authorities," he said Wednesday. "In this country, you're innocent until proven guilty."

Staton said the city will fully investigate what appears to be a case of freedom of speech.

"The long and short of it is I advise people to stay out of these things," he said. "We can't compromise or restrict people's First Amendment freedom."

Owen could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Meadows said he was perplexed as to why a resident would condemn a public official who was trying to get the facts straight.

"There's a public employee who came out with the truth when he saw lies, and he's being criticized for it," Meadows said. "He's got First Amendment rights, and he doesn't lose that by being an employee."

Hammond said she didn't consult former candidate Lindemann before filing the complaints, but did it because she was opposed to Meadows' and Owen's actions.

"I would hope the city would take the matter seriously because the public trust is a precious thing," she said. "I'm not holding my breath in this matter waiting for something to happen."