The article “$21.5M in upgrades proposed at Greater Latrobe high school campus” (Aug. 7, TribLive) noted the Greater Latrobe School Board was preparing to give out a $21.5 million no-bid contract to a multinational company. The district isn’t buying pom poms for the cheerleading squad; $21.5 million is an enormous contract.

How can you assume Siemens is the best company to perform this job if there were no other companies allowed to participate in the process? What is Siemens’ track record and reputation in this space? Do they have a friend in the administration or on the school board that’s pushing this? This smells to me like a backroom deal done in the dark without thinking of taxpayers.

In the spirit of transparency, the board should solicit proposals from as many companies as possible to ensure they’re getting the best possible service and price. Anything else would be a slap in the face to taxpayers.

Jason Cordial

Unity

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