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14.B.2. LOCAL BIDDING PREFERENCE <br />Vice Chairman Flescher provided background and intent on his request for the Board to <br />consider the implementation of a local bidding preference, which would provide a 5% <br />competitive advantage to local businesses, in County contracts. He noted that such a policy <br />must be implemented by Ordinance, and reviewed an Ordinance of similar intent, recently <br />adopted by St. Lucie County. Vice Chairman Flescher displayed a map depicting the Counties <br />located within a 50 -mile radius of the County Administration Building, and conveyed his support <br />for a regional approach, which would include the adjoining Counties. <br />Chairman Davis wanted to explore the local bidding preference option, and help local <br />individuals who are bidding on business. <br />Commissioner Solari read an excerpt from the Wall Street Journal entitled "Why <br />Government Can't Run Business", by John Steele Gordon, and presented a personal statement, <br />supporting his position that a government -led Buy Local campaign is bad economics. He stated <br />that individuals who wish to buy local should do so, which action does not require additional <br />government regulations. He said that several out -of -area companies have expressed interest in <br />doing business in the County, and he did not want to see the Commission sacrifice its long-term <br />economic goals for short-term political opportunity. <br />Commissioner Wheeler opposed the proposed Ordinance, stating that we live in a world <br />market. He believed that the proposal to reduce a local company's bid by 5% would preclude <br />out -of -area firms from engaging in the bidding process, and would thus eliminate competition, <br />which is what keeps prices low. <br />Vice Chairman Flescher gave additional reasons validating his support for the subject <br />proposal. <br />31 <br />June 2, 2009 <br />