The city and county are paying more for contracting services for debris removal because they passed over on the public bidding, which occurred days after the Thursday night storm. While some may question Buffalo's failure to pursue the most cost effective cleanup offers, this time the end really may justify the means.
In the competition between removal cost versus speed, speed wins out in a landslide for downtown. A city enduring an already-deteriorating economy could not afford to wait for public bidding because of the delay in trying to get a crowded place back in a safe, workable condition. Although removal costs nearly double for the city compared to towns like Amherst and Tonawanda, that cost is justified when looking at what would have happened if city officials did not act immediately.
The area economy would have suffered greatly with an extended delay. An incalculable sum would have accumulated for each day the city was unable to operate. Even though the city didn't get the best contracting deals, it was certainly top priority to get people living their lives in the city again. Despite the hindsight pessimism, it was the right choice.
Just like business outsourcing achieves extra profit on manufacturing, many officials and local companies hired out-of-state contractors for the cleanup because these companies charged less. County Executive Joel Giambra said he wouldn't allow this at the county level. As a result of only contracting local firms, the cost of removal per cubic yard of debris was more expensive, but this decision did do one thing this city should always strive for: it kept people and businesses in Buffalo.
Populism over idealism
A new order of priorities looks hopeful
"History repeats itself." Students might wince to hear it nonstop from political science and history professors trying to communicate the significance of what they're teaching, but more often than not it's true.
Twelve years ago the young, idealistic republican class of 1994 took Congress by storm. Now that Democrats have regained the majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, will history repeat itself now with a liberal spin?
Although newly elected officials won't tip the balance of Congress until January, the party is campaigning again not to endorse a candidate, but to spread a message for promising change. Democratic officials across the country are all sharing a collective mentality that they will take the driver seat of the country with populism in mind before idealism. Although it may be stating the obvious, there are a number of issues that must find bipartisan consensus and support to make any headway and actually work. A plan for the war in Iraq, affordable healthcare, and new policies to resuscitate our position in the global economy are some of the most talked-about issues that fit the bill .
This change in tone and stance may just be what citizens voted for last Tuesday.
So here it is, America. Unless the harmonious democratic credo proves later to be another political sour note, change is upon us.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
