Tim Pearson, a key figure at City Hall, has recently come under scrutiny as federal investigators focus on MWBE contracting, which involves contracts awarded to minority and women-owned businesses. The Adams administration has been advocating for increased access to contracts for these groups, leading to a significant expansion of the program in recent years. The goal is to provide more business opportunities to underrepresented communities, particularly Black, Hispanic, and Asian women.
Michael Garner, the city’s chief business diversity officer, defends the administration’s actions, emphasizing that the increase in the threshold for non-competitive contracts was supported by legislative leaders in Albany. The cap on MWBE contracts has risen substantially over the past few years, from $150,000 in 2017 to $1.5 million in the present. This means that contracts below the threshold do not have to go through a formal bidding process.
While the exact contracts being investigated by the Department of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s office remain unclear, Garner confirms that Pearson is part of the team focusing on MWBE contracting. Pearson’s schedules reveal regular meetings on MWBE contracting and interactions with Molly Schaeffer, the director of asylum seeker operations, who recently received a subpoena to appear before a federal grand jury.
In addition to the MWBE contracting investigation, Pearson has also incurred legal fees related to lawsuits on sexual harassment and retaliation, with the city already paying $7,190 and facing additional invoices of around $50,000. The situation surrounding Pearson at City Hall is complex and raises questions about oversight and accountability in contracting practices.
As the scrutiny on MWBE contracts continues, it is essential for City Hall to ensure transparency and adherence to ethical standards in all contracting processes. The focus on providing opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses should not be overshadowed by allegations of bribery and corruption. Moving forward, it will be crucial for the Adams administration to address any concerns raised by the ongoing investigations and uphold the integrity of the contracting system to support a fair and equitable business environment for all.
