Omar Narvaez requested a delay in awarding contract without saying during debate that company that lost bid was owned by his campaign treasurer.
“There’s no actual statute or ordinance that requires this disclosure — none,” said council member Paula Blackmon. “Everything was above board here, but we need to talk about if there is a better way for us and the public to know what is going on?” “I think this is all about politics,” he said. “The focus should be on what really matters, which is that the city of Dallas’ Park and Recreation Department is spending an extra $775,000 to do this project when that money could go to other things in the department that are desperately needed.Gadberry Construction was one of six companies to bid late last year to build the Hi-Line Connector.
“This is a low-bid project,” said Gadberry on Wednesday, whose company is based in Dallas’ Design District which Narvaez represents. “This isn’t the one where we weigh who is the best qualified. This is low bid.” Parks department director John Jenkins and Christina Turner-Noteware, an assistant director, said the project would be complex because it largely involves building a trail down the middle of the street and most of Gadberry’s experience was with buildings.
Corruption in Dallas! I’m shocked!