If you follow the business of the Warsaw School Corporation, you probably saw yesterday's cover story in the Times-Union. Approval was given to spend over a half a million tax dollars on a new phone system. It was a well-written story, and it conveyed the tension, drama and emotional content of the discussion.
Through a well-intended provision of state law, a large complex purchase was approved. "QPA" (quantity purchase agreement) was intended for local government to save money on pencils, paper clips, furniture and cars. Purchasing in bulk is a great idea, and the popularity of Sam's Club and Costco wholesale clubs show acceptance for a variation of the QPA concept.
But the core of this issue is that complex purchases (like a districtwide communications system) should have competitive evaluation and competitive bids. Creating an environment for a competitive bid is not a crazy new idea. In this matter, common sense and important safeguards were thrown out the window with the statement "[those] kind of documents are hugely legality crap."
Competitive bids, and more importantly, the evaluation of competitive products - which was wholly and totally ignored - ensure that public money is spent wisely. This incident leaves the public-at-large to question if their interest was served.
By my assessment, if you see Kent Adams you should thank him for protecting your interest, and trying to protect your wallet.
