Attorney General backs contract transparency

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20 October 2008

Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell issued an opinion backing the New Orleans City Council ordinance to open the city's contracting process. The ordinance would hold the mayor's professional services contract procurement process accountable under the Louisiana Open Meetings law.[1]

Contents

Fielkow pushes forward

City council vice-president Arnie Fielkow first sought the opinion of the attorney general last July, after the council's Governmental Affairs Committee approved the measure, along with two others that would increase transparency. He stated, "I believe opening up professional services contracting is a tremendous benefit to the public ensuring this city contracts in a way that is efficient and transparent. I am very encouraged by the attorney general’s opinion."[1]

Fielkow plans on introducing the measures to the full council at the November 6 meeting.

Contracts in question

Caldwell's opinion comes on the heels of the unfolding scandal over the city's crime camera contract. In addition to this, the council has also been very critical of the city's 6 year, $32 million contract for the 311 hotline, which has also been making headlines.

Opposition from city attorney

City Attorney Penya Moses-Fields has been against the measure from the start, claiming that it violates the executive branch's powers as outlined in the city's home rule charter. She says her office “will continue to recommend to the mayor and the City Council a course of action that is consistent with the spirit and intent of the Home Rule Charter.”[1]

In response, Caldwell's opinion held that the council has the legal right "to pass resolutions promoting transparency from any public body falling within the definition of (Louisiana Open Meetings Law) and … an executive order authorized by the Home Rule Charter must comply with requirements imposed by Louisiana law."[1]


References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 New Orleans CityBusiness, AG supports opening up contract process, October 20, 2008
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