12-10-2007, 08:15 AM
Aloha JerryCarr,
I agree with much of what you say. In my mind it will take a mixture of efforts and solutions. I am still open minded about WTE because 1) I like electricity A LOT and 2) I don't like burning oil or nuclear plants. (to James) How is burning oil better than burning trash? (I agree waste strream reduction / recycling is a desirable goal).
I disagree with one thing. I have found, in examining some county contracts, that the county estimators had a pretty good grasp on what things should cost.
The procurement process (as it now exists) has their hands tied to the "lowest" bidder. The bids are all coming in at 200%+ of estimated costs and I do not think that fact is due to anything except lack of competition among contractors who are well aware of what they are doing.
Whether its WTE or a roof on a shed an underlying theme for me this coming election is what ideas can move forward to improve the buying power of we county taxpayers (I have a few).
I agree with much of what you say. In my mind it will take a mixture of efforts and solutions. I am still open minded about WTE because 1) I like electricity A LOT and 2) I don't like burning oil or nuclear plants. (to James) How is burning oil better than burning trash? (I agree waste strream reduction / recycling is a desirable goal).
I disagree with one thing. I have found, in examining some county contracts, that the county estimators had a pretty good grasp on what things should cost.
The procurement process (as it now exists) has their hands tied to the "lowest" bidder. The bids are all coming in at 200%+ of estimated costs and I do not think that fact is due to anything except lack of competition among contractors who are well aware of what they are doing.
Whether its WTE or a roof on a shed an underlying theme for me this coming election is what ideas can move forward to improve the buying power of we county taxpayers (I have a few).
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Punaweb moderator