The African American Political Action Committee (AFRO-PAC) of Washington State is very disappointed with the lack of inclusion of certified contractors/businesses owned by the Descendants of United States Slaves (DOUSS) with Sound Transit, we are equally concerned about the lack of enforcement by the Federal Transit Administrations (FTA) and Sound Transit’s refusal to waive the over utilized white women firms out of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. The unwillingness of ST staff to hold prime contractors accountable for their discriminatory practices, and not enforcing the “Mandatory” DBE law that has excluded DOUSS. The Washington Post article below confirms the lack of enforcement of the law. We must stand up and demand the elected officials on the Sound Transit Board take immediate action to remedy the exclusion of Black Contractors/Black Businesses (DOUSS) who are put at the mercy of discriminating white prime contractors. If your elected official is on the Sound Transit Board give them a call and encourage them to stand against discrimination and demand inclusion DOUSS. Phone calls and emails are very effective to add your voice to the struggle.
Please put Thursday April 27 on your calendar for the Sound Transit Board meeting, spread the word and encourage others to attend and support DOUSS If you are going to speak you should be at Sound Transit at 1:00 PM Thursday to sign up.
Charlie James,
AFRO-PAC
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