Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons pulled funding for a Kennedale road construction project last year after alleging a city employee experienced discrimination, even though the employee never filed a complaint.
The project, which was supposed to break ground in 2023, would have replaced the asphalt pavement on New Hope Road and the Swiney Hiett Road, reported CBS Texas.
Before Simmons assumed her position in 2023, the previous commissioner, Devan Allen, planned to approve more than $860,000 in city road improvements. Simmons, however, opted to cover the project using discretionary funds, totaling $1,245,000, reported CBS Texas.
A vote on the roads project was removed from the commission’s October 2023 meeting agenda. Kennedale officials learned in December about the discrimination allegation.
While the alleged employee never filed a discrimination complaint, City Manager Darrell Hull and former Mayor Jan Joplin concluded Simmons based her decision on her experience and knowledge, reported CBS Texas.
“She felt that was discriminatory practices, and she wasn’t going to work with people that discriminate,” said Joplin.
Joplin did acknowledge that the available funding was discretionary, and the commissioner was not obligated to fulfill the agreement with the city.
“She can do it, but that’s discrimination against the citizens here,” Joplin said. “And that’s wrong. Period.”
Simmons met with the new Kennedale Mayor Brad Horton on July 23rd but, did not discuss the funding decision.
“Today I met with the new Mayor of @CityofKennedale, Brad Horton. I shared with him the many ways in which Precinct 2 and Kennedale can work together and build a strong partnership. Looking forward to working closely and making great strides together!” Simmons posted in X.
Some community leaders have criticized Simmons for yanking the funding.
“Once again, professional race baiter Alissa Simmons, who cries racism constantly, is actually the one being racist. Isn’t that always the case?” Tarrant County Republican Chairman Bo French told The Dallas Express.
The Dallas Express reached out to Kennedale Mayor Brad Horton, City Manager Darrell Hull and Alisa Simmons’ communications manager Hector Mendez but did not receive a response.