From: Jonathan Clayton <jonathanlclayton@gmail.com>

Date: Thu, Aug 8, 2024, 9:01 AM

Subject: Message from Jonathan Clayton following his death or incapacitation

To: Jonathan Clayton <jonathanlclayton@gmail.com>

Cc: <ssmith@kansasreflector.com>, <abahl@gannett.com>, <jshorman@kcstar.com>, <clawhorn@ljworld.com>, <david.toland@ks.gov>, <governor@ks.gov>, <abby.works1@ks.gov>, <robert.north@ks.gov>, <braxton.hutchinson@ks.gov>, <erin.starr1@ks.gov>, Susan Clayton <ronandsusanc@yahoo.com>, Susan Clayton <susan.deann.clayton@gmail.com>, <horsecrazy9@hotmail.com>, NINA LIGGETT <njliggett@hotmail.com>, Boyd McFadden <gpamac78@gmail.com>, Ann Leppke <annleppke@gmail.com>, Pandea Smith <pandeasmith@gmail.com>, Linda Martinez <linda.martinez1966@gmail.com>, Peabody Market <peabodymarketkansas@gmail.com>, Rodger Charles <peabodytownshiplibrary@gmail.com>, Colton Glenn <coltonglenn85@yahoo.com>, Kelly Penner <kpenner5@hotmail.com>, <Janicemoffett@yahoo.com>, Jessica Favela <Jlfavela217@gmail.com>, Yahoo <shaneandmorgan@yahoo.com>

This message has been automatically sent following the death or incapacitation of Jonathan Clayton. 

I, Jonathan Clayton, am providing the following information in writing as I am no longer capable of testifying or providing a sworn statement. As this message is only being provided after my death, I pray that those named below may be reviewed for any participation in my untimely demise.

The Kansas Department of Commerce, under the direction of Lieutenant Governor David Toland, concocted a scheme to alter the results of the BASE Grant program. The resulting awards from both rounds of the program are inaccurate due to the orders from Toland to alter the application scores after a pre-selected group of awardees were determined. The pre-selected awardees were based on agreements and conversations with the State House Speaker and State Senate President at the time of selection. According to multiple conversations between myself, Toland, Chief of Staff Abby Works, and Chief Counsel Bob North, the BASE program was only in effect due to the prearranged agreement for a majority of the funds to be directed to applications from the Speaker and Senate President’s constituencies. This can be evidenced by the inordinate number of awards for the first round of the BASE program awarded to Butler and Johnson Counties. 

A KORA request of the timestamps of the scores in the Submittable application platform can corroborate these allegations. It was under these demands that I was ordered to change these scores by Abby Works and Bob North at the request of Toland. Additionally, after reviewing the matter privately with the Commerce Department’s consulting firm, Wit O’Brien, I was told by a consultant that these activities were the definition of fraud. After refusing to alter the scores on the second round, I believe this was the cause for my forced resignation. The allegations of a conflict of interest with two awardees on my part by the Commerce Department was never proved. 

Secondly, I was requested by Toland in December 2022 to join the Iola Theater Association board in their hopes of obtaining grant funds for the restoration of the Iola Theater. This request was not given to me as an option but as a demand. In December 2022, I was requested by Toland to travel to Iola during a workday, using a State vehicle, to visit with him in person regarding the board position and the status of the theater’s condition. During this visit, I was told by Toland, “You are on the Board now.” I felt due to my position reporting indirectly to him at the Commerce department that I was not given a choice in the manner. 

During 2023, I was requested multiple times to pursue grant funding for the Iola Theater that was in direct conflict with other non-profit entities across the state. I was encouraged to use my work connections and office time to obtain grant funding and was eventually successful in working with the Board to obtain a $300,000 grant from the Sunderland Foundation in September 2023. Toland had resigned from the Board without my knowledge in July 2023. I was told to resign from the Commerce Department on October 6, 2023.

Finally, the allegations by the Commerce Department that I did not provide sufficient documentation for two BASE Grant awards is unilaterally unfounded and I believe to be a form of retaliation. These allegations have been escalating since my October 2023 departure from the Commerce Department. 

I sincerely apologize to those whom I am no longer here to help alleviate these situations. There are individuals who were made aware of these preceding events, but I am not naming them for their privacy. They can make a determination if they choose to step forward and assist any investigation to corroborate my statement. 

I have made several mistakes in my past and have most likely paid for them with my life. That is why I have assured a life insurance policy that will hopefully accommodate those errors in judgment. An optional life insurance policy through KPERS has been established and all those who feel owed may speak with the Trustee of my estate. 

Again, my deepest regrets to those whom I’ve hurt, betrayed, or misled. Please understand that this message is only sent after my passing so that the truth may come forward to hold those duly accountable. 

Thanks so much,

Jonathan Clayton