Letters to the Editor

Letter: Something’s fishy

Hidden deep in a recent article about Trump’s attempt to divert funds for military projects to build his border wall is some very suspect rationale. When I see statements like the Corps of Engineers “is being pressured to bypass regular contracting procedures” or Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., has been “deputized” by Trump and is actively promoting his local favorite-son contractor, Fisher Industries, to build the wall, my antenna for collusion goes way up.

I have been involved in the engineering and construction industry for the past 40 years, dealing with a multitude of contract disputes and bid protests. The language in the article, particularly that attributed to Cramer, is indicative of back-room, sweetheart deals that favor the dealers and ignore the interests of the taxpayer. When I hear officials like Cramer ask for contract documents that he promises not to share with anyone “depending on what they show” and that Fisher could build a better wall than anyone else at less cost, I fear something is seriously amiss and that Fisher will soon be on the receiving end of a sole-source contract at a price higher than the competition.

The Corps of Engineers typically employs an open, competitive process to ensure the best value for the projects it delivers. Sen. Cramer knows this process well and should be an advocate of it instead of appearing to show favoritism to Fisher. When the competitive process is followed, everybody wins.

— Mike Jens

Anchorage

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