GOVERNOR PATTON CREATES MINORITY AFFAIRS OFFICE AND COUNCIL

For Immediate Release
May 6, 1999 Audio Available on: 800-633-1019
Contact: Louise DuPont
(502) 564-2611

Frankfort, Ky. - For the first time minorities in Kentucky will have a direct link to the Governor for presenting issues and raising concerns. To ensure that all Kentuckians reach their full potential and maximize their participation in business and employment opportunities, Governor Patton today created the Office of Minority Affairs, and the Governor’s Employment, Business Affairs, and Economic Development Council. This Office and Council will address the issues of minority representation in business and the awarding of state contracts to minorities.

The governor said, "State government should lead the way by example, promoting the involvement of all Kentuckians in every business and employment opportunity. Advancing minority business opportunities in the Commonwealth is consistent with my vision as Governor--Kentucky’s future is enhanced by an educated workforce capable of capitalizing on growth opportunities which foster a healthy and competitive business climate."

The Office will be headed by an appointed Special Assistant to the Governor. The Council will report directly to the Governor through the Special Assistant. The Governor names Leonard Gray as Special Assistant of the Office effective May 15^th. He will receive a salary increase consistent with other special assistants’ pay. Gray has been the Legislative Liaison to the Governor since the beginning of the administration.

Gray said, "Today is a historic day for the African American community and all minorities in Kentucky. Governor Patton should be commended for having the vision and understanding to address this important issue."

Through the collaborative efforts of the Special Assistant and the Council, every effort will be made to effectively increase participation by minority vendors in the state procurement process and employment opportunities. Together they will communicate with state agencies and encourage information sharing with all minority businesses and professionals, and make recommendations to the Governor and state agencies on ways to foster the development of minority businesses.

The Governor has ordered that all state agencies, authorities, commissions, and institutions attempt to increase the level of minority business participation in the state contracting process. All bid documents will include statements encouraging minority business participation and majority businesses to subcontract with minority businesses and women.

The Council will submit an initial written report to the governor on or before November 1, 1999, which may include recommended legislation to be submitted to the General Assembly for enactment at its next scheduled regular session.

The membership of the Council will consist of the governor, the Lt. governor, and 15 members appointed by the governor. Members of the Council initially will be appointed to staggered terms, then to four year terms. The Governor has appointed 15 members to the Council, including Gray. The 14 other members are as follows:

Yvette Smith, Frankfort, for a term expiring April 1, 2003.
Ventra Mapp, Frankfort, for a term expiring April 1, 2003.
Don Speer, Frankfort, for a term expiring April 1, 2003.
Singer Buchanan, for a term expiring April 1, 2003.
Floyd Taylor, Louisville, for a term expiring April 1, 2002.
Norris Beckley, Shelbyville, for a term expiring April 1, 2002.
Henry Curtis, Frankfort, for a term expiring April 1, 2002.
Armond Russ, Shelbyville, for a term expiring April 1, 2002.
Laurrece Carter-Hatchett, Paducah, a term expiring April 1, 2001.
Bob Peters, Lexington, for a term expiring April 1, 2001.
Regina Middleton, Paducah, for a term expiring April 1, 2001.
Laura Douglas, Louisville, for a term expiring April 1, 2000.
Anthony Leachman, Frankfort, for a term expiring April 1, 2000.
Ed Roberts, Frankfort, for a term expiring April 1, 2000.

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