Is It Bad To Do Good?

by: Jason Springer

Sun Aug 05, 2007 at 06:04:22 PM EDT

Here's my question: Does it matter if the work you have done is better than it has been done in the past if people perceive the way you got that work to be bad? The Republicans have been seizing over recent reports of the hiring of engineering firms to do a portion of Evesham Township, Burlington County's work saying that it is an example of pay to play because Assemblyman Fran Bodine works for one of the companies which received a contract. Bodine for his part has denied any connection besides his help as a sitting official trying to elect candidates during the campaign.

"I had no input into this," Bodine said. "I didn't talk to anyone on the transition team (that awarded contracts). My participation in this whole thing was zero."

So the cynic will say how could this man not try to get his employer a contract. The hardcore supporter will say he did nothing wrong without questioning. Some will ask to see how he influenced the contract and how he will benefit from the work. I have to say that I'm really not trying to pass judgment on that because until we have a full time legislature, we are going to have situations where people involved in their profession end up having the appearance of a conflict regardless of whether one exists unless their employer does not seek any public business. Reading the article further however, I find this nugget of information that the new firm, despite the way they got the contract, actually saved the town almost $200,000 just on that one deal.

The firm has already proved to be cheaper than competitors, Brown said. For a parking lot project at Evesboro Downs, the company bid $172,000. The former township engineer, Alaimo Associates of Mount Holly, bid $350,000.

On just one contract, the town saved 178k and last time I checked, that's a good thing. Also, lets note that this is the same Alaimo Associates who when the Republicans controlled the town received contracts such as this one while contributing through every branch of the Republican apparatus in the county.

So back to my question: does the fact that they allege an appearance of a conflict negate the savings to the town? Isn't pay to play where there isn't a competitive bidding process and the company charges the town whatever they want because they can? It seems to me like Evesham taxpayers made out regardless of whether you believe the claims of a conflict. Your thoughts?

Jason Springer :: Is It Bad To Do Good?

Tags: BurlcoGOP, Burlington County, Fran Bodine, LD-8, pay to play, Evesham, (All Tags)

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Is It Bad To Do Good? | 2 comments

When they blast ... (0.00 / 0)

Assemblyman Kip Bateman who represents towns in his own legislative district as a lawyer, then they can talk. That's not an appearance of a conflict, but a straight out conflict.

The Republicans only care about making waves, and don't care if they are in an artificial wave machine.

Unless there is any evidence Bodine had input in the contracting process, advised either the town or his employer in how to get the contract, or benefits from the contract then there is no conflict.

This kind of innuendo and slanted spin (like the teacups ride at a fair!) is just bullshit politics that makes the electorate mistrust politics all the more.

by: huntsu @ Sun Aug 05, 2007 at 17:24:30 PM CDT