Kansas Democratic Party leader resigns months after investigation

Topeka

Ben Meers has stepped down as govt director of the Kansas Democratic Celebration almost a yr after the get together accomplished an inside investigation into whether or not Meers had created a poisonous office for employees.

The get together introduced Meers’ departure on Friday, roughly two weeks after he formally stepped down. Kansas Democratic Celebration chair Vicki Hiatt stated Meers’ exit was voluntary and have become official on Dec. 31 of final yr.

Final yr, the get together investigated Meers for allegations he had fostered a poisonous office setting on the get together after receiving a grievance from three former staff.

Although the get together advised some complainants in emails that the investigation had corroborated at the least a few of their considerations, Meers retained management over day-to-day operations till he resigned. The emails and the investigation have been first reported by The Star in Might of final yr.

Meers’ obligations included main the Kansas Democratic Celebration’s operations by means of the midterm elections and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s reelection bid.

Following the investigation, Hiatt advised The Star the get together had “applied a number of insurance policies, together with communications enhancements, and required obligatory administration coaching to enhance the organizational and office setting for all staff.”

In an announcement, Friday she thanked Meers for his service since he joined the get together in 2019.

“Beneath his management, the KDP has secured essential wins for Kansas households on the poll field. On behalf of the Celebration and the state of Kansas, we thank him,” Hiatt stated.

Meers didn’t return a name searching for remark.

Edgar Pango, the present vice chair of the get together, will function interim director of the get together till a everlasting alternative is employed.

Katie Bernard covers the Kansas Legislature and state authorities for the Kansas Metropolis Star. She joined the Star as a breaking information reporter in Might of 2019 earlier than transferring to the politics staff in December 2020. Katie studied journalism and political science on the College of Kansas.