Kansas City, Missouri, City Manager Brian Platt has been suspended from his position following a $900,000 lawsuit against the city alleging that Platt had lied to the media.
This decision was announced by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas; whether Platt will be reinstated will be determined on March 20.
In a lawsuit against the city, former Kansas City Communications Director Chris Hernandez alleged that Platt suggested, “Why can’t we just lie to the media?” and later manipulated information. Hernandez also alleged that he was later demoted and reassigned after pushing back on Platt. The jury sided with Hernandez, who received $900,000.
Mayor Lucas suspended Platt the day after the jury verdict, putting his 4.5-year contract extension and $308,000 salary at risk. The city council will determine its next steps regarding Platt on March 20.
Platt, who is Jewish, began his role as city manager in 2020, having previously held the same position in Jersey City, New Jersey. Last year, Platt was in the running for the city manager position of Austin, Texas, but dropped out of consideration, subsequently receiving his contract extension and raise.
Platt’s involvement in the Kansas City Jewish community has included appearances at multiple events, including the city’s menorah lightings and Oct. 7 commemoration.