D & #233;j & #341; vu
IT LOOKS LIKE IT’S ABOUT THAT TIME IN THE POLITICAL CYCLE FOR reporters and investigators to start turning over rocks.
It was just two years ago that county officials made a great show of reforming the way they did business. Under new guidelines, we were told, the old, lobbyist-driven method of awarding county contracts would be replaced by a more objective and professional process.
Hah! That process didn’t seem to be anywhere in sight when the exclusive taxicab contract for John Wayne Airport was recently rebid, accompanied by enough sleight of hand to qualify as a Las Vegas magic act. As quick as you could say “Lyle Overby,” a recommendation was overturned, the incumbent’s bid was tossed out on what looked like a technicality, cries of foul were registered and the supervisors split their votes, wrung their hands and called for a staff study.
But the controversial cab contract is small potatoes compared to the data-processing contract now under consideration. It’s been a long time since so much corporate and lobbying talent has converged on the Hall of Administration, as Peter Brennan’s page 1 story reveals.
No doubt the best “team” will win the bid. Whether the best deal for the county and its taxpayers wins, is more problematic.
