[StBernard] Interesting idea about new hospital

[Westley Annis]

It's going to be difficult for political cronies to give the contract for
the hospital to a "contractor buddy."  A project of this size and cost will
go out for public bid and contractors from around the state will bid on it.
The lowest bidder will likely win it unless the governing administration can
justify why the next lowest bidder (or higher) should be given the contract.
Typically, when that happens the low bidder will sue and likely win,
especially if they establish the fact they were a competent contractor - and
such big contractors usually have a whole team of lawyers.  

Also, on a project of this size, there are "qualification" requirements,
such as the contractor will have to provide proof to having built similar
projects in size and cost...and there aren't many local contractors (if any)
in St. Bernard that have ever built anything like that.  There will be no
"local favorite" factor in the award process because federal funds will be
used for this project, so brownie points cannot be given to a local.

Plus, you can bet everyone (state, feds, etc.) will be watching the bid and
award process like a hawk.  I don't believe "Parish Bubba and Friends
Construction" really have a chance to win this project.  Look for the likes
of a Landis Construction or Brice Construction to win the contract for this
project.

John Scurich


-----Original Message-----
Saw this on nola.com sbp forum.  I think the idea seems to have some merit.

Jim

Not obligating the new incoming administration with sweatheart contracts
signed by the old outgoing administration sounds like a great idea. Why not
take it one step farther, The Next Logical Step if you will, and let the new
council make their own choice on who to appoint to the new Hospital
Commitee. 
This whole rush to make the appointments before the end of the year smacks
of "Let's get our cronies in before we leave office" If the new hospital is
built as a community hospital there will be some very large contracts
involved and there will be many jobs available in a new hospital and control
of that board could have far reaching implications for our parish. The
people of SBP have spoken very loudly that they want change. Let's avoid the
appearance of impropriety.
Let's take The Next Logical Step. Let the new council make the hospital
committee appointments.