Florence has endured far too many dubious sweetheart deals over the years. My administration will have an absolute commitment to contract ethics. The days of who-you-know contracting will end.
All major contracts should be submitted to an open bid process. This is not just about finding a low bid to save money. A bidding process is how you make sure the contractor can do the job right. Common sense says you don’t start a multi-million dollar project without sufficient site preparation – we’ve seen the expensive results yet again in the SportsPlex mess.
“Business-as-usual” is no secret in Florence. Everyone knows. It’s so common that even the most innocent initiatives meet with suspicion. As mayor, I will open this process up to daylight so you know the process is clean, and you can count on the result as well.
I’m always amazed to see our citizens asking the right questions and getting no answers (or wrong answers) from City Hall. Think how many times the people of Florence have voiced better, cheaper solutions than city officials. Our citizens often show greater expertise than whatever “expert” special interests bring before the city council, only to be ignored.
The sportsplex fiasco is just the latest example. People tried to warn the city about the site and the need for better testing and preparation, again only to be ignored – or met with hostility. The expensive results speak for themselves.
I’ve heard from some contractors who agree with me. They don’t think it’s worth the trouble. I’m told our city has a reputation in certain quarters as a “closed culture” for doing business. It’s time to open up this city to the best and brightest instead of the best-connected (who aren’t necessarily the best for the job).
I am not for sale. In a Carrier Administration, neither is our city — or our future. It will be a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Click here to learn how you can help.
Tags: contract ethics, Florence Alabama, Florence sportsplex
