Real Estate Developer

[Anonymous <MFear5741@aol.com>]

Iwas denied a development contract for low-income housing with a city due to gender and racial discrimination. I was told on many occasions that I needed to "bring in a man" or I wouldn't get the contract. I was also touched in a sexual manner by a City Councilmember which was also witnessed. I was also told that "The project that I was proposing would bring in undesirables such as Blacks, Hispanics, Indians, Welfare and God only knows what else".  The Mayor of the City as well as the Planning Commissioner (both women) testified and confirmed these allegations. The City's version was that I didn't get the contract due to my inability to obtain financing.  When testimony at the trial proved that I could provide financing the City changed its story. The new version was that they perceived me to be unqualified.  The word "unqualified" was never mentioned prior to the lawsuit. I am a licensed Real Estate Broker and a licensed General Contractor. The Judge found a prima facia case of gender discrimination but awarded no damages because the City articulated valid reasoning in that I was unqualified. I certainly would like to know how many licenses I need to be considered "Qualified" in this State? This story does not end here. I have discovered that I am now targeted by this same City in other development endeavors. At present I am in great need of legal assistance as well as any other support from NOW.  This has got to stop! We have such outrageous, flagrant Civil Rights abuses right here at home by people who should know better, City Officials and Judges.