Dear Editor:

In Councilman Bob Ferri’s political newsletter issued after the recent council meeting, he continues to show a fundamental lack of understanding of government procurement and the bidding process for goods and services.

I am surprised that this topic is not more up his alley since he previously served on the Board of Contract and Purchase. I question where he was when every two weeks the board opened bids and approved awarding of contracts following the same procedure we are undertaking for the new Budlong Pool.

We have hired experienced design professionals who are completing detailed drawings and specifications for the modern pool complex that I am delivering to Cranston families. Those contract documents will then be used to solicit bids from qualified vendors or contractors who will do the actual work. The comprehensive scope of work draws upon their knowledge of pool construction codes and standards, pricing, and costs in the industry to design a new pool and rehabilitated pool house.

Mr. Ferri seems confused by the contract bidding procedure. He suggests that the process is somehow backwards because the available funds for the new pool have been discussed in public prior to receipt of the bids. My administration has been very transparent through this process and the procedure followed for appropriation and approval of funds rightfully requires a public process. We and the city council have properly discussed the amount and funding source for this major project.  That included inviting extensive public comment along the way.

I guess Mr. Ferri favors smoke-filled back rooms to conduct business involving public spending.  I do not subscribe to that way of doing city business and will continue to follow our charter and state law in the awarding of contracts.

We will open the received bids in public, review all of them with our consultants for compliance and award a contract in public to the most qualified and responsive bidder that meets our needs and timetable.    

In bowling when you roll three strikes in a row it is called a turkey. As we approach the Thanksgiving season, Mr Ferri has rolled a turkey of an idea when it comes to spending tax dollars and his knowledge of government contracting.

Kenneth J. Hopkins

Mayor, City of Cranston