BPU watchers definitely want to read Mark Wiebe's column in The Kansas City Star's Wyandotte Couny section about oversight of the troubled utility company. Wiebe does a great job of outlining the failure of the BPU to self-police and the need for independent oversight. The Unified Government looks to be fed up with letting the BPU raid the liquor cabinet while mom and dad are out of town. The UG is thinking about keeping a closer watch on the BPU.
Last Thursday, BPU General Manager Don Gray said the BPU was implementing changes recommended by a special master and a legislative auditor. That all sounds good. But here's the part that grabbed me:
The BPU, he [Gray] said, is in the process of re-bidding its older contracts. A new policy governing professional services requires the BPU to advertise for all projects over $100,000.Why only $100,000 contracts? The legislative auditor reviewed contracts at $50,000 and above and discovered that the utility had handed out 21 out of 25 no-bid contracts. If the BPU sets the bar at $100,000, how many of those contracts would have fallen through the cracks? The BPU should advertise bids starting at $50,000 and up. Otherwise, a lot of ratepayer money will flow under the radar.
Showing 1-4 of 4
Why have nt the media published the names of those people/companies who had unbid contracts with BPU ?That is journalistic mal practice,laziness,indifference,or enabling.The public has a right to know and the media a responsibility to investigate
and report.
Guess we should nt hold our breath,but continue to hold our noses."You "REPORT"and let us decide"
I agree with H2O LITE.Some in depth reporting on donors to BPU races would be very welcome and helpful in selecting a candidate(s).Of special interest would be the donors to Jones and Colombel.By the way does the president of the Board(Colombel)
still owe the state more than 100k in back taxes?That payment might save a few jobs in the state!
H2o Lite,
Thank you for mentioning my name. I remain investigating the BPU and will continue. I am presently running for election for City Commissioner in WYCO and I hope people will go vote April 7th. I need help so I can help you! TJ Reardon rottenpolitics.com
GREAT COMMENT,JUSTIN.THE ANSWER IS OF COURSE THAT MANY CRONIES OF GRAYS ,BOARD MEMBERS,AND UG ELECTED OFFICIALS HAVE THEIR HANDS IN THE TILL.TOM LYNCH,SCOTT CAHILL,ROD TURNER,MARC CONKLIN,ETC.
IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR YOUR REPORTING MOST OF THIS CORRUPTION WOULD HAVE NEVER SEEN DAYLIGHT.TJ REARDON ALSO DESERVES SOME CREDIT FOR HIS DILIGENCE.THE STAR WAS LATE TO THE PARTY,ALTHOUGH WIEBE S ARTICLE IS WORTHWHILE IF FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS ARE PURSUED.WOULD ALSO BE NICE IF SOME INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING OF DONORS AND RESULTS OF COMMUNITY FORUMS WERE REPORTED-
like
dislike
