Roger Jim Davis
Commission Chair

Mr. Davis holds a B.S. from the University of Denver.  While a resident of Denver Davis served as Chairman of the Mayors Citizen's Budget Advisory Committee.  When he relocated to Charleston West Virginia, Davis continued to serve the community as member of the State Citizen Advisory Commission for Public Welfare.  A Captain in the United States Coast Guard (Retired) Davis currently serves on numerous boards and committees of charitable organizations in the metro area, which support youth programs.

Mr. Roger "Jim" Davis was appointed to the Commission on Oct.2 1998.  He was reappointed on Feb. 5 2004.  His term expires on Feb. 29, 2008.

Rafaela "Lali" Garcia

Lali Garcia has long been an activist in the Latino community and her lengthy list of awards is a testament to her commitment.  Garcia has been honored with/ received/been the recipient of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian of the year award, the Pat Rios award, which was given to her by the Guadalupe Center, The MANA Community Service Award and has been listed in Ingram's magazine as one of KC's Local Heroes.  Garcia's personal mission statement is "To make a better life for the Hispanic Community through my involvement in various organizations".  It is clear that Garcia lives out this mantra by being on the Board of Directors of Guadalupe Center, the Hispanic Economic Development Corporation, and The Port Authority.  Garcia is a member of numerous civic organizations where she also lends her fiery spirit and common sense approach to issues.

Mrs. Garcia was appointed to the commission on Jan. 24, 1997, her term expires in March 2007.

Rosemary Lowe

Mrs. Rosemary Lowe, is a community and neighborhood activist who is known as tireless advocate.  Known for speaking her mind, "Mother Lowe" as she is affectionately called, is respected by law enforcement, dignitaries', politicians and the community at large.  Lowe has been able to present comprehensive strategic plans, which have resulted in drug dealers voluntarily cutting weeds and picking up trash in their community.  These same well thought out plans have enabled police officers and neighborhood residents in developing safe, economically sound, viable communities.  A native of Arkansas, Lowe has numerous awards from various organizations, which stands as a testimony to her commitment to her Kansas City.  At an age when most people want to sit and talk about the good ol' days, Lowe's indefatigable spirit makes her talk about the future, and when she talks-people listen.

Lowe was reappointed on March 28, 2005, her term expires on February 29, 2008.

Karen Payne

Karen Payne holds a B.S. degree in sociology from the University of Missouri at Kansas City.  Payne has effectively put her sociology skills to use in the arena of American workers.  Payne has 23 years of experience in mediation and work group dynamics in her work with unions (UAW, CLUW).  Payne's experience places her in the unique position of offering a systemic perspective to problem solving.  While a member of UAW, she was a member of the Civil Rights Committee, Co-Editor of Local 249 Newspaper, First Local News and coordinator for their Joint training program, which dealt with sex harassment and diversity in the workplace.  Payne is a member numerous organizations which include the Coalition of Labor Union Women and The Committee for County Progress to name a few and was a candidate for Missouri State Representative in 1996.  A caring sympathetic individual, who is sensitive to the needs of others, Payne also volunteers at Hope House a shelter for battered women and their children.

Payne was appointed on June 16 1999, her term expires on March 1, 2007.

Keith Curnutt

A proud resident of Independence, Curnutt is a graduate of Central Misouri State University where he received a degree in business.  A Stock broker by trade, Curnutt is also an entrepreneur.  Curnutt has been married to his lovely wife for 46 years They have 2 children and four grandchildren.

Mr. Curnutt was appointed on May 24, 2005, his term expired on February 28, 2006.  He will serve until he is reappointed or another appointment is made. 

Howard Lotven

Mr. Howard L. Lotven is a well-known Attorney in the Kansas City area.  A graduate of UMKC Law School, Mr. Lotven is a member of numerous organizations, including the Kansas City Bar Association’s Municipal Court Committee and the Family Law Committee, and is a CASA Volunteer Attorney.  CASA named Lotven Attorney of the Year in 2002.  Lovten is also the City Judge for the Townships of Napoleon and Lake Lafayette.  As if he has more than 24 hours in his day, he also lends his expertise and time to a number of diverse civic and charitable organizations.  He is a member of The Hyde Park Neighborhood Association, Heart of America Stand Down (U.S. Veteran’s Assistance Program Municipal Court Defense Attorney-Volunteer), a Heartland United Way Volunteer, and he has been a member of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum since 2002.

Mr. Lotven was appointed to the Commission on September 7, 2006. His term expires on March 1, 2010.