Raymond Malone, Fairness and Construction Board, 414 E 12th Street, 4th Floor East Kcmo. ( LETTER BEING IGNORED) (PART II)
April 16, 2024
Quinton Lucas, Mayor
City Council, All Districts
Cc: Brian Platt, City Manager
Cc:Jaime Guillen, CREO Director
City of Kansas City, Missouri
City Hall, 29th (Mayor)
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
Honorable Mayor and City Councilpersons,
These illegal and unethical practices have also dissuaded business retention, growth and success for not only disadvantaged businesses but also majority owned businesses. As from the day the Fairness in Construction Board was established, passive participation in race, color, national origin and sex-based discrimination by our local government have re-emerged and has had a ripple effect within the construction community resulting in abusive procurement, oppressive fiscal policies and procedures.
These divisive tactics are a direct result of the de factosilencing of the Fairness in Construction Board. The Board has been deprived of decades-long basic monitoring and reporting as required by City Code, Section 3-463(11). Specifically, the lack of transparency by the Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department Director and the Mayor’s office has adversely affected the Fairness in Construction Board’s ability to perform our duties effectively and enjoy a positive, inclusive atmosphere.
Specific Concerns:
1. The Department lacks the basic operational ability to answer telephones and respond to messages, return calls or follow up when information is requested. Although the board has requested organizational information, including a Department organizational chart with contact numbers, roles and responsibilities information, none has been provided.
2. The Disparity Study remains a concern. To date we have received misleading or false information concerning the status of the study. We now have been informed that the solicitation was opened back up recently without any explanation. As you are aware, the MBE/WBE Program depends on a current and accurate study.
3. There have been multiple resolutions that are being considered by council that would directly affect the MBE/WBE ordinance (PNW, Size Stds, etc.) We were not made aware of these resolutions by the Department and when asked the Department staff seems to have little or no information.
4. The unequal treatment in city-funded and assisted construction projects and procurement procedures and the opportunities for certified, small disadvantaged firms particularly in the city departments and EDCKC-led projects. Specifically lack of uniform reporting and enforcement on city andincentivized projects.
5. Reports of hostile work environments on construction projects and failure of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department to respond and investigate pursuant to the duties under City Code, Chapter 3, Article IV and Chapter 38. Including the lack of investigation into abusive treatment and payment violations.
My heartfelt condolences to @MichelleObama and her family on the loss of her beloved mother. Mrs. Robinson's legacy of love, strength, and resilience will live on through all who knew her.
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6moAbsolutely agree! It's time to move from endless questioning to meaningful action. Adequate resources are crucial for efficiency and happiness.