Task force gives diversity report

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By Tim Carpenter

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Require public disclosure by all city of Topeka employees of conflicts of interest to deal with the problem --- real or imagined - -- of nepotism.

Upgrade the city's Human Relations Commission to a full-fledged city department to address discrimination complaints in Topeka.

Raise the profile of the citizens' advisory board that works with the Topeka Police Department.

These recommendations were offered Tuesday in a task force report submitted to the Topeka City Council. The document was based on work of a council-appointed committee that studied city personnel and purchasing practices related to diversity and racial equity.

"Everyone on this committee took their roles seriously," said Michelle Stubblefield, chairwoman of the eight-member Special Council Committee on Diversity. "We hope you will see we've come together with an honest review."

During a discussion at the council's study session, Councilman John Alcala asked Stubblefield if the committee investigated specific complaints of nepotism in city departments. She said that the short time allowed for the review --- the panel was formed in September --- prohibited follow-up on complaints from the community about nepotism in the city's ranks.

"So, mainly perception," Alcala said. "There were no hard facts."

Committee member Tom Ellis endorsed a recommendation that employees sign disclosure statements that identified family members also employed by the city. He said it would help city hall get a handle on the degree to which nepotism influences government.

"It's out in the open, and it's not secret," Ellis said.

Councilman Bill Haynes said he was concerned about the idea of making the Human Relations Commission a department of the city rather than a division of government. However, committee member Curtis Pitts said the elevated status would improve investigation of discrimination complaints.

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