KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jackson County Executive Frank White has initiated an independent investigation into Legislator Manuel Abarca's alleged misconduct. On Wednesday, March 26, White wrote a letter to members of the Jackson County Legislature regarding the numerous reports he's received over the past several months about Abarca's "unprofessional, hostile and demeaning conduct." Man charged with murder in connection to shooting of KC store owner "These concerns came to a head this past weekend, when one of our associates received an email from Legislator Abarca that was both inappropriate and threatening," White wrote in the letter. White said, in the email, Abarca made personal attacks and explicitly threatened to eliminate the employee's position. "This is not an isolated incident," White wrote. He said concerns that were raised in the past have not resulted in meaningful or lasting change. "Let me be clear: no associate of Jackson County should ever be subjected to harassment, intimidation or retaliation—especially from an elected official," White wrote. "Accordingly, I am declaring this an emergency under the authority vested in my office. "I am initiating a comprehensive, independent investigation into the treatment of County associates and residents by Legislator Abarca." White said the investigation will be conducted by "external professionals with appropriate expertise in workplace behavior, legal standards and organizational culture." If the investigation reveals that Abarca's actions created a hostile environment, and if the Legislature fails to act, White said "I will take any and all necessary steps to protect our associates – including reassigning or withdrawing staff from direct support roles." In the letter, White proposed that the Legislature work with him to: Implement mandatory anti-harassment and respectful workplace training for all legislators and legislative staff. Establish clear written standards of conduct for interactions with County associates. Commit to respecting and supporting Human Resources recommendations moving forward. ...read more read less