Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed plans to sign contracts with companies to sell food, beverages and retail inside Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
The City Council approved the contracts Tuesday night after a debate over transparency and process. The conversation about open government will continue.
During Tuesday's council meeting, council members learned more about the process evaluation groups used in recommending companies for airport business.
That was a good start says Common Cause Georgia executive director William Perry.
“We kind of got an appetizer,” said Perry. “But, we're still not satisfied because we didn't get the full meal.”
Perry wanted Mayor Reed and his administration disclosing the names of the evaluators and how they were chosen.
“I think the process could have used more vetting and more time to where there was a full work session and the ability for the public to absorb the information,” said Perry.
City Attorney Cathy Hampton has repeatedly cited attorney-client privilege as to why the evaluators' names weren't released before the vote. Still, Mayor Reed argues his administration spent the last two and a half weeks working with city council.
“We have dedicated thousands of hours to this process,” said Reed. “We've had dozens of meetings. So, we've done everything we can.”
But for some, attorney-client privilege is not a good enough reason. John Sherman is the President of the Fulton County Taxpayers Foundation.
“There was never any divulgence of who were members of the selection committee,” said Sherman. “The meetings were secretly held. The minutes of each meeting were never made public. Each bidder and their bid was never disclosed.”
The Foundation plans to sue the city. Sherman wonders if campaign contributions and political ties influenced the process. Mayor Reed says he's prepared for a legal fight.
“So, I think all litigation is going to do is show what I know that this was a honest and ethical process,” said Reed. “That's why I've been at piece with the process the whole time.”
The Mayor will probably release the evaluators' names tomorrow. Reed also gave back contributions given by companies that won contracts prior to Tuesday's vote.
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