I'm not sure why Ms. Geer took this opportunity to take shots at the current council's decision to hire Cam Davis as a second opinion on the dog beach ramp project. I understand her point about procurement process and honoring contracts, but this was just about the worst example she could have picked.
As I noted in the comment section of the roundtable article she herself referenced, the dog beach ramp contract was not issued through an RFP process. It was tacked onto to the lakefront stabilization project (which did go through an RFP process) as a 6 figure change order.
I would argue that the city's constant drumbeat of 6 figure no-bid change orders, often passed with a metaphorical gun to council's head, is much more concerning that a single $14k contract. This after city staff not only disregarded, but completely misstated the position of a statewide ADA expert, who came to consult on this project for free.
Thank you Tom for asking some interesting questions to the candidates. The city, like D65, is heading towards a financial cliff. It’s been drowned out by the envision Evanston debate. There are no clear answers on how to solve the problem and the city has squandered opportunities, such as using the federal Covid money on bureaucratic expansion (sound familiar?). There are some tough choices ahead and unfortunately it probably means a double whammy of property taxes increases at some point. I wish more residents were aware of these issues.
Luckily all of the 3rd ward candidates have spoken on the seriousness of this issue and their opposition to raising taxes. I hope the new council and incoming school board can shore up these crises for a sustainable future.
Please tell me you're not publishing personal endorsements? Is the NU professor providing a fair analysis of all candidates, while also not being personal friends with them?
I'm not sure why Ms. Geer took this opportunity to take shots at the current council's decision to hire Cam Davis as a second opinion on the dog beach ramp project. I understand her point about procurement process and honoring contracts, but this was just about the worst example she could have picked.
As I noted in the comment section of the roundtable article she herself referenced, the dog beach ramp contract was not issued through an RFP process. It was tacked onto to the lakefront stabilization project (which did go through an RFP process) as a 6 figure change order.
I would argue that the city's constant drumbeat of 6 figure no-bid change orders, often passed with a metaphorical gun to council's head, is much more concerning that a single $14k contract. This after city staff not only disregarded, but completely misstated the position of a statewide ADA expert, who came to consult on this project for free.
Thank you Tom for asking some interesting questions to the candidates. The city, like D65, is heading towards a financial cliff. It’s been drowned out by the envision Evanston debate. There are no clear answers on how to solve the problem and the city has squandered opportunities, such as using the federal Covid money on bureaucratic expansion (sound familiar?). There are some tough choices ahead and unfortunately it probably means a double whammy of property taxes increases at some point. I wish more residents were aware of these issues.
Luckily all of the 3rd ward candidates have spoken on the seriousness of this issue and their opposition to raising taxes. I hope the new council and incoming school board can shore up these crises for a sustainable future.
Please tell me you're not publishing personal endorsements? Is the NU professor providing a fair analysis of all candidates, while also not being personal friends with them?