Frank White orders investigation of Legislator Manny Abarca over ‘hostile’ behavior

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The spat between Jackson County Executive Frank White and Legislator Manny Abarca reached a new level last week.

White called for a “comprehensive, independent investigation into the treatment of County associates and residents” by Abarca.

The county executive penned a letter to the Jackson County Legislature, citing multiple reports he has received from his associates.

“These concerns came to a head this past weekend, when one of our associates received an email from Legislator Abarca that was both inappropriate and threatening,” White’s letter said. “The message included personal attacks, demands unrelated to the associate’s responsibilities, and an explicit threat to pursue the elimination of her role through the County’s budget process.”

KCTV5 obtained the email sent by Abarca to the County associate. In the thread leading up to the email, the conversation concerned the request for a link to attend a meeting virtually.

Abarca’s email stated:

“We are all professionals here and it is ridiculous that elected of the legislature have to beg for a basic operational functions.

“(Associated), if you and your staff want to continue to be difficult every step of the way for basic functions of operations than it is clear that we, the legislature need to make a change and eliminate the necessity of your staff’s involvement in our legislative meeting. I am exhausted by it being so challenge to the execute basic operations and in no government I have worked in yet has leadership been so challenging and disrespectful to elected officials.”

White and Abarca have had feuds on numerous occasions over the last few years, from the use of America Rescue Plan Funds.

“Let me be clear,” White stated. “No associate of Jackson County should ever be subjected to harassment, intimidation or retaliation—especially from an elected official."

Abarca told KCTV5 that he isn’t worried about the investigation.

“I think these are political games in an attempt to slander my name here,” Abarca said. “I am willing to hold myself for whatever wrongdoing they suggest I have done but otherwise I don’t think there is anything here.”

To give some context to the emails, Abarca said that there were previous disagreements about meetings and times and not being able to set up online meetings.

“I did not threaten to fire her,” Abarca said.

KCTV5 wanted to know how much an investigation like this would cost. Sean Smith said he’s seen investigations coast taxpayers anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000.

White’s office declined to comment as they said this is a “personnel matter” that wasn’t intended for the public.

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