Thomas W. Miller Jr.

07/28/2024

Mayor Quinton Lucas-Why do you Destroy Economic Development for Blacks in Kansas City Missouri?
1. Although the rest of the U.S. saw a decrease in violent crime after the pandemic, Kansas City has not.From KCUR.

Of the 131 homicide victims to date, 98 of them were Black men and women, according to Kansas City police data. Of cases with a known perpetrator, a Black male was suspected in 59% of homicides cases. Black men ages 18 to 24 commit 23% of Kansas City homicides.Aug 25, 2023. Kansas City Star.

2. You Allowed :Ordinance COMPARED VERSION
NEW ORDINANCE TO CODE BOOKS
ORDINANCE NO. 230401
Amending Chapter 3, Code of Ordinances, by repealing Section 3-431, “Setting Goals for
Individual Contracts” and enacting in lieu thereof a new section of like number and subject matter
regulating the application of numeric MBE/WBE goals on certain projects leased for development
or receiving economic development incentives or tax abatement.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
WAIVED MBE (Black & Hispanic) Goals. NO BLACKS SUBCONTRACTORS ALLOWED ON META/TURNER PROJECT?

3. The Kcmo Construction Fairness (Chairman Ray Malone)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.

6. To date we have not received any wage and hourly reporting, even though we have asked repeatedly.This information is vital to both The Fairness Board and Workforce Board to address any issues that arise.

7. Purposeful disregard and violation of Sec. 3-463(11) by the Director of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity.

8. Lack of support and resources from the Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department and the Mayor’s office to address issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the City of Kansas City, Missouri departments and economic development agencies. Specifically, that reports have not been submitted or provided to the level of detail that the Board is able to properly function. Including proper meeting minutes, contractor utilization reports, wage & hour reporting and any information relating to projects thru EDC or other agencies.
9. Lack of accurate and transparent contract reporting pursuant to Sec. 3-463(6)-(11) thus making all data that the Mayor and City Council have presented in the past 12 months as unreliable.

4. Gov. Parsons told Lucas What’s more, you do not tell people who are facing unparalleled oppression by the state that they should essentially shut up and take it. That’s outright harmful. Kansas Reflector 5/30/2023.

5. Proverbs 3:31-32 "Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

Address these issues respectfully.
Without hindering Economic Development in the Black Community ?
With an aggressive End Result.
Prime Contractors -Billion $ Industry per year are Racist from 2016 Disparity Report. Calling Blacks a Risk?

Then aggressively Train. Construction will hire Felons.
Tom Miller

07/19/2024

Raymond Malone, Chairman
Fairness in Construction Board
414 E 12th Street, 4th Floor East Kansas City, Missouri 64106 [email protected]
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 Floor (Mayor)
City Hall, 22nd Floor (City Council)
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
Honorable Mayor and City Councilpersons,
I am writing to bring to your attention a deeply concerning matter regarding policy violations and discriminatory practices that I have observed while chairing the Fairness in Construction Board over the past year. Our past letters and messages to you to date have gone unanswered, therefore I’m forced to write this letter to informed you of our very real concerns.

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.

6. To date we have not received any wage and hourly reporting, even though we have asked repeatedly.This information is vital to both The Fairness Board and Workforce Board to address any issues that arise.

7. Purposeful disregard and violation of Sec. 3-463(11) by the Director of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity.



8. Lack of support and resources from the Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department and the Mayor’s office to address issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the City of Kansas City, Missouri departments and economic development agencies. Specifically, that reports have not been submitted or provided to the level of detail that the Board is able to properly function. Including proper meeting minutes, contractor utilization reports, wage & hour reporting and any information relating to projects thru EDC or other agencies.
9. Lack of accurate and transparent contract reporting pursuant to Sec. 3-463(6)-(11) thus making all data that the Mayor and City Council have presented in the past 12 months as unreliable.
These experiences have not only affected Board morale but have also raised serious concerns about the Mayor and City Council’s commitment to fostering a fair and respectful procurement process and culture. Discrimination of any form should have no place in our society, let alone in a professional setting like ours.
Therefore, I believe it is imperative for the Mayor and City Council to take immediate and proactive measures to address these issues.
This may include:
1. Requiring immediate compliance with the City Code sections referenced herein.
2. Require thorough investigations into reported incidents of discrimination and taking appropriate disciplinary action against perpetrators and reporting the same to the Board.
3. City Manager should ensure that the Director of the Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department is properly experienced, educated and trained in matters of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title VI and Title VII, 49 CFR Part 26, and local disparity study and constitutional requirements for MWBE programs.

4. Immediately require that all data reports and dedicated administrative assistance is provided to the Board.
5. That the Director apprise the Board prior to any suggested legislation affecting the M/WBE program.
6. Supplying sufficient budget for the Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department for much needed software upgrades, staffing and investigators to properly monitor construction projects for compliance with M/WBE programs and Missouri and Davis-Bacon wage/labor standards.
7. Immediately resend the changes made to the ordinance increasing the board seats, that have proven to be detrimental to it’s operation. Any needed changes to the Board should include imput from the Board.

8. Require the Director of the Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department to establish clear policies and procedures for investigating, reporting and addressing instances of discrimination, wage and payment discrepancies, or harassment on construction sites in violation of Chapter 38 and/or Chapter 3, Article IV.

I am hopeful that by addressing these concerns openly and collaboratively, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all business enterprises doing business with or inside of Kansas City boundaries. As someone who is deeply invested in the success and reputation of the City of Kansas City, Missouri, I, along with my Board colleagues are willing to actively participate in any efforts aimed at fostering positive change within the Department.

12/15/2022

Physical slavery then is it Economic slavery now ?
Try to understand why we can sing off tune!

01/09/2015

History has been made

This will be a definite classic for ages..speaking to the depth of your spirits. "Know you've got a Word, that comes from above" Beautiful!

06/24/2013

Did you know most car accidents happen within 3 miles from home? Let us help you protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors. Come see us and get a quote today!

06/18/2013

Death, it happens to us all. Are you prepared with a will, funeral plans, finances and more? Talk to me about your needs.

06/13/2013

Farmers Smarts: Try home gardening to save money and eat healthier. Grow things like salad greens (spinach and arugula), heirloom cherry tomatoes, string beans and herbs – all are cheaper to grow than buy.

06/10/2013

Vegetarians live longer, and are less likely to die from heart disease, diabetes or kidney failure.

I’m still going to eat chicken, fish and the occasional steak. Maybe it’s a more than occasional, but I love a good steak. Who’s with me?

06/03/2013

Did you know that the garage is an easy way for thieves to break into your house?

Get rid of that big garage opener and change to a key fob. Deadbolt and lock reinforce the door from the garage. Cover up and bar any garage windows. And when on vacation, unplug and deadbolt lock the garage door itself.

06/03/2013

It’s graduation season, and a heartfelt congratulations to all the Missouri and Kansas High School graduates this year! There’s nothing more fun than heading off to college. Have your parents talk to me about renters insurance so all your new stuff is covered.

05/30/2013

I’m proud to be part of the Farmers family. We’re here to protect and help your family in times of crisis, and we deliver on that promise.

With everything happening right now, I’m proud to be serving you and the community.