Is Tom Leppert giving a straight answer when it comes to minority contracts?

Alan Cohen, says:

I don't see this as a personal attack. In fact, I think you said it best, let's focus on the real issues affecting Dallas. That is why Hill and others want to see the local numbers (a.k.a. the numbers that most directly affect Dallas).

Frankly, I think Hill comes off as very well reasoned in his letter to Leppert, which I first saw published on Unfair Park. Here it is:

April 19, 2007

Mr. Tom Leppert Candidate, Mayor of Dallas 3232 McKinney Avenue, Suite 855 Dallas, TX 75204

Dear Tom:

It is gratifying that you share my belief that an economic development strategy including equitable opportunities businesses owned by African Americans and Hispanics to compete for business awards; and thereby create jobs, represents a solution to several “root causes” of challenges this City must address.

This belief in the importance of economic inclusion has become a primary theme of your Campaign, both in Mayoral Candidate Forums and radio advertising targeting minority voters. The statement that under your leadership in 2005 and 2006 Turner Construction Company (Turner) awarded contracts in the $1 billion range nationally to ethnic minorities, excluding women-owned businesses has not been documented.

Given the fact that Turner is headquartered in Dallas, actual dollars awarded to certified North Texas Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) is a highly relevant statistic as we discuss economic development and Turner’s track record. In an effort to gain clarity regarding Turner’s actual performance, my economic development strategist has requested Turner’s reported contract awards and/or Spend from the Black Contractors Association; Dallas Fort Worth Minority Business Council; Hispanic Contractors Association of DFW; and Women’s Business Council of the Southwest. Each responded that Turner did not report contract awards or Spend with ethnic minorities or women owned businesses to their organizations. This information is readily obtainable from Turner’s Vendor Master and Account’s Payable systems. I strongly believe that Turner’s impact with North Texas MBEs and WBEs is of greater significance to our economic development discussions than a lump sum national total. The direct feedback I receive from MBEs and WBEs across the City is that ethnic minority and women owned businesses continue to deal with challenges similar to those faced 10 years ago.

Would you please provide Turner’s contract awards (or Spend) in 2005 and 2006 with certified North Texas MBEs by ethnicity (African American; Asian American; Hispanic; and Native American)? I look forward to your response

Sincerely,

Donald W. Hill

To me this is not a distraction or a personal attack. It's an issue.

Mike Orren, says:

krasher, I think the issue is that he is the only one making his business history of handing our minority contracts a major part of his campaign platform and his advertising. That's why he's the one being asked about it.