Affirmative Action


  I believe that for the health of our community we must develop successful independent business people among all ethnic and religious segments of our community. 

THE LOWEST AND BEST is the city's criteria for a successful bidder.  BEST gives an opportunity to chose a bidder who offers better quality and the ability to help the city achieve its goals other than low price.  We should not spend public money for goods or services from contractors who do not compete with good quality and competitive price.  I believe, however, that we should invest money to find and mentor small contractors.  We should show them how to bid successfully for city of Grand Rapids business.  This would help them to have a chance to grow and become a part of the larger business community .

PROBLEM: I believe that the greatest hindrance to minority or any other small contractor being successful in getting contracts and keeping them with the city is a lack of information and experience.  Contractors who have never done business with the City are intimidated by the paperwork, bid deadlines, and the demands made by different city departments.  The lack of sensitivity to small struggling businesses by the city is evident in their inability or unwillingness to communicate clearly, courteously, and pay for goods and services in a timely fashion.


SOLUTION: I believe that the City should have a small business advocate in the Purchasing, Engineering, and Comptrollers  Departments who would seek out small businesses, council potential bidders, and advocate for successful bidders when they have problems getting co-operation and payment from the City.

SOLUTION: I believe that the city should identify areas where there are few minority contractors and encourage the successful majority contractors and suppliers in those areas to help one of their minority employees start their own business.

An e-mail response opportunity is below

 

If you would you like to help someone get elected click your mouse  HERE

Please type Affirmative Action on the subject line of the e-mail response form.

E-mail  your comments to web author
blickley@altelco.net