Wagner criticizes Rendell's no-bid contracts
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
By: Scott Detrow
scott_detrow@pubradionews.net
Pennsylvania's Auditor General Jack Wagner says he stands by his opinion that Governor Rendell did a poor job handling no-bid contracts.
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Last week, Wagner's office blasted the Rendell administration for handing a slew of no-bid contracts to Deloitte Consulting, a technology firm.
Rendell say he has no regrets, arguing the state has a right to reward companies for good work by renewing their contracts without exploring the alternatives.
Wagner says that's wrong, and is urging the legislature to pass laws requiring more competitive bidding.
Wagner: Competition exists everywhere. It's part of the American way. Unfortunately it appears to be absent in state government. We believe very strongly that is not in the best interest of the taxpayers of this commonwealth.
Rendell has accused Wagner of criticizing his administration for political gain, frequently noting the auditor general is considering a run in next year's Democratic gubernatorial primary.
Wagner says he's just doing his job.