Before the referendum, we heard how Kraus Anderson was the only game in town due to time constraints and expense. We were told how they were "the best in the business" and "gave us 10 times the amount of work we paid for generating the estimate." Gee...you don't think they are going to bend over backwards during the preliminary phase to pump up their shot at grabbing the entire pie without any competition should the referendum pass? What qualifies anyone on the board to give this assessment? Is it because KA contributes toward district parties at the Layfayette Club like most of the district's other vendors? 4.0 even describes their generosity on their website: "We have sponsored the "Retiree and Years of Service" banquet at the Lafayette Club." In prospecting the district's vendors for sponsors of the girls swim & dive fundraiser, they all cited they felt their other contributions to the district were adequate and declined. Is this the best use of contributed funds to a school district? What role if any do these contributions play in selecting and retaining district vendors? Why does the district choose to spend all of this money outside the district--Layfayette is in Orono district? Isn't it a conflict of interest to spend money at a business where a board member's spouse is the manager?
Enough with the ethics and accounting debate! Now that the district has secured the bond revenue, don't they owe it to the taxpayers to look at other stewards of our $30,000,000 investment for the best deal possible while providing the most stringent accounting available? Much like many of us trust Eddie's with our automotive service and repair because he is small, personal, inexpensive, attentive and delivers, CPMI provides many of those same attributes that a Denny Hecker Superstore just can't deliver. Maybe KA is the most cost effective option out there, but if looking at a second option can save the district just 1% on a project of this magnitude, shouldn't this possibility be explored?
Like this is ever going to happen. You can be assured the sweatheart deal with the big company has beeb laid out for a very long time. These pigs won't and havn't talked to anyone else because they might actually bump in to an honest company not interested in being their puppet. Welcome to Kickbacktonka! I pay my taxes like everyone else, where is my invite to the next big blow out at the Lafay. Club? Did you forget me, Ann? I pay a hell of a lot more than you do!
ReplyDeleteIf you don't think these companies that feed at the district trough funded the election for the yes stooges, I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn.
ReplyDeleteWe need to get organized to stop this abuse and insure the ref. money does not get "wasted." Anyone else remember how they pilfered money from another ref and the sale of the Mound site to build Kevin's Castle? NO money should go into the Ed Center as it is practically new. How may flat screens are on on order?
ReplyDeleteBTW, My property tax is going up 8% in 2012 and the school is getting over 10% more. Thanks KB for your never ending honesty.
More drinkers at the Notch kool-aid trough...
ReplyDeleteBrilliant summation, November 26, 2011 2:43 PM! How about the $10's of thousands of dollars Tom Notch has saved the district because Heckle & Jeckle aren't capable of managing a popsicle stand?
ReplyDeleteGreat News!
ReplyDeleteThe district decides to interview multiple construction managers to oversee this $30,000,000 project!!!