Officials heated

By Don Bowen/Fremont Tribune
Thursday, Apr 02, 2009 - 10:38:46 am CDT

Officials with Metropolitan Community College are defending a decision not to hire a Fremont electrical company to rewire the Fremont Area Center building.

Metro got heat this week from Sen. Charlie Janssen, who represents Dodge County, about a decision to give a contract for the electrical rewiring work to an Omaha company whose bid came in $113,000 higher than Denny Electric Inc. of Fremont.

Even though the bid from Denny Electric was $259,900, the contract was given to Baxter-Kenworthy Electric for $372,000.

But college officials said the reason Denny Electric didn’t get the contact was because it didn’t meet requirements outlined from a contract review checklist that was given to companies before they gave their bids.

David Newell, chairman of the Metro Board of Governors, said Denny Electric fell short of the contract requirements on

two points: It didn’t provide health insurance to its workers, and it didn’t have a certified apprentice program.

The insurance requirement came about because a former board member who is an attorney, had a client who got hurt on a contractor job, Newell said.

“We needed to protect ourselves from any potential litigation,” he said. “In simple terms that was the initial issue. We tried to deal with that as a board. We came up with this checklist because other issues came up at the same time. It’s intended to help us identify responsible contractors.

“This contractor said to us that he could buy insurance for this project. That let us know that he didn’t have insurance. Even though he had the lowest bid, he did not necessarily have the most responsible bid. The fact that he’s from Fremont might mean that he’s a good guy, but it

doesn’t mean that he’s the kind of contractor that we can give a project this important to.”

This decision wasn’t based on anything but trying to get the best contract for the college, Newell said.

“This isn’t about Fremont,” he said. “This is a policy for Metropolitan Community College and all of its campuses in the four-county area. We try to write a policy and live by a policy based on what’s good for Metro and the four-county area that we serve.”

Janssen disagrees with the explanation of why the contract didn’t go to Denny Electric.

“Their policy was set up to be union friendly,” Janssen said. “These policies were just set last November. They put together a union friendly bid process.

“The reason given by the college that Denny Electric didn’t get the bid was that they didn’t offer an apprenticeship program. Realistically, only the unions have them. It’s not the government’s place to tell people how to compensate their workers.”

Janssen said awarding the contract to a contractor for $113,000 more should not be taken lightly.

“I don’t get that,” he said. “It’s bad government. That’s bad policy making. The public needs to get involved. I think every resident needs to call the board of governors and demand accountability on this.”

Newell said he took offense at Janssen’s allegation.

“He doesn’t know what we’re discussing,” he said. “He’s not a member of this board. He can make any accusations that he wants to. In simple terms, this policy was made, but it wasn’t made specifically for the labor movement.”

Mike Denny, who owns Denny Electric, said he was surprised when another company was awarded the contract for the project. He said he thought that he had adequately explained why his company didn’t offer health insurance or an apprentice program.

Four companies bid on the project, which interim president Randy Schmailzl said is vital because the wiring in the old building at 835 N. Broad St. needs upgraded to meet the needs of the number of computers and other electronic equipment. At the same time, the heating and air conditioning system is being replaced and the third floor of the building is being renovated for a new data center lab.

Schmailzl said a majority of the electrical and heating and air conditioning work ” including adding a central air system ” will take place over the summer months. Metro will move this year’s summer class load to Midland Lutheran College so the work can be completed as quickly as possible.

He said the renovation of the third floor should be complete by December in time for the winter quarter.

Leave a Comment

All posts are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Email Address Required
   
Diana
Apr 2, 2009 12:05 PM
What does having health care insurance or an apprentice program do with the quality, price and meeting the specs for the job. This is just another sample of bureacracy. It is taxpayer money that supports Metro Tech so the general public does have an interest in this matter. I hope Charlie Janssen keeps watch on this.
A different Moron
Apr 2, 2009 12:22 PM
The insurance requirement came about because a former board member who is an attorney, had a client who got hurt on a contractor job, Newell said. Where does Newell's campaign funds come from, does he represent unions?

Metro wants to do social engineering by requiring health insurance for employees after hours. Work Comp covers job site injuries not health insurance.

Electricians are licensed by the State, an electrician needs an additional license to perform work inside the city limits. Does Metro think the current licensing below their standards, why the requirement for apprentice training? Electricians already have a journeyman program in the state licensing requirement.

Insurance is not a justification for the metro board. Routine insurance requirements for subcontracts require 1 million liability plus 1 million umbrella, work comp limits are set by the state although some contracts require additional limits. Contractors doing commercial work often exceed those limits, and any general contractor and owner are listed as additional insured on projects. The college has contractor provided liability coverage.

The liability Metro's board is trying to use for an excuse is covered by each and every contractor and sub contractor working on the project.

What goes misunderstood by the public is the fact that there are only so many jobs in Fremont to go around, loosing a job of this size could easily result in people loosing their jobs due to a lack of work. It appears Metro only uses the bid process for show.


Where is Fremont's representative on the Metro Board? Why would we have to share a board memeber with Omaha? They sure like to take our property tax money, where's the representation?
J. Miller
Apr 2, 2009 12:23 PM
I am a native Fremonter and I am all for "keeping Fremont green". However, if MCC laid out their bid requirements in advance, why would anyone submit a bid that was anything less than compliant, and expect consideration?! This is a very pompous attitude on the part of the local company, and it's defenders, to think that being local , having a cheaper bid and providing an explanation of why it fell short would supercede the bid requirements. That is not competing, it's asking for and expecting favoratism, which is embarrassingly out of line. This is another example of Fremont losing out on a great opportunity and blaming everyone else.
please remove funding
Apr 2, 2009 12:38 PM
The fact that he’s from Fremont might mean that he’s a good guy, but it

doesn’t mean that he’s the kind of contractor that we can give a project this important to.”

The fact is Denny Electric just finished one of the largest jobs in Fremont this past fall at Nye Legacy. Work on that project lasted over a year.

An inspection of someone's integrity may be in order, but not any Fremont contractor.
fremonter
Apr 2, 2009 12:41 PM
good for you mcc. its about time someone stood up to the corruption in this city. now janssen wont get his cut. the city leaders wont get their cut either. i applaud mcc for their decision. goes to show you that the contractors in fremont dont read the contracts before bidding or they figure they dont have to abide by all the rules since they "share" the profits with certain people in this city.
to J
Apr 2, 2009 12:44 PM
J,
sorry I missed you at the pre-bid meeting where those 12 "guidelines" adopted by metro's board were discussed.

Metro's represenatatives explained that the 12 points were not required, an explanation was to accompany bids as to what points could not be met.

Maybe we should ask Metro's board since they are afraid of liability why they are acting as their own general contractor after the previous bid came in over Metro's budget.
Joseph P. Sokolovsky
Apr 2, 2009 1:18 PM
TO FREMONTER

First of all, I am quite surprised the TRIBUNE even printed your post.

I have a few questions:

> What proof do you have that ANY
State Representative from our District
has ever taken a under the table cut --
as you suggested?

> What proof do you have that ANY
City Leaders has EVER taken a cut on a
construction project?

> Please, start using your real
name if you are going to continue
accusing people of unethical things and
or breaking the law. Those are pretty serious accusations.

Thank you, Fremonter, and I am not trying to take a 'cheap shot' at you --
I just think you have gone way to far
on this issue. And, again, thanks for listening.
Mary
Apr 2, 2009 1:19 PM
This is outrageous. I agree with Senator Janssen's comment that everyone in Fremont needs to contact the Metro Board. Denny's Electric is a very reliable and responsible company unlike what the Chairman of the Metro Board implied. And to take a bid that is $113,000 more is unthinkable in this economic times. Fremont is a strong supporter of Metro Tech. Fremonters, our voices need to be heard.
WOW
Apr 2, 2009 1:48 PM
Are you kidding me dave Newell? I am just flabbergasted at his arrogance and willy nilly attitude to spending $113,000 more dollars on a project. That is 40% more. No, Union Lackey Newell I do think the Senatorknows what he is discussing. What upsets you is that you were caught by Senator janssen and exposed for the corrupt board member you and many like you are.
dont care about fremont
Apr 2, 2009 1:54 PM
I do not care if it was a fremont company or one from Iowa. Paying $113,000 more for the same thing is bad. Dave Newell must be on the take. I don't say that lightly. I give public officials the benefit of doubt but in this case dave newell and othe mcc board members are crooks in my mind because they just stole 113k of tax dollars. I am not certain what they got paid outside of that but in my opinion the fix was in. next time get the Senator on board too and maybe he won't ratt you out. Glad he did though. Makes me think somebody is trying to look out for us.
Taxpayer
Apr 2, 2009 1:58 PM
Thank you Newil for raising my taxes. Sorry you got caught. I now know why people run for the board that is "un paid"
Try to spend my tax money on something nice for yourself. Whatever your union cut is.
SG
Apr 2, 2009 2:11 PM
I believe these guidleines were put in place to make sure that Employers treat their epmployees fairly. The guidleines say that the company only has to offer insurance to employees it does not mandate that the employees nbe insured. Someone mentioned ABC programs this is perfectly fine.Why doesn't Denny electric want to bring in new people and train them to be electricians?
Sad
Apr 2, 2009 2:29 PM
How can any of this be legal? can the contractor sue the MCC Board? This is a horrible time for this. Not that is ever a good time to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars more than needed.
Union1
Apr 2, 2009 3:24 PM
Denny electric could,if they chose to,could be apart of an apprenticeship program,ABC.If they chose to,the could provide benifits for their employees.Denny electric made those choices,not to have either.Now read this carefully.THEY MADE THAT CHOICE!When a Denny employee get sick off the job and goes to the emergency room,who pays that bill?the employee does.and if he doesent its passed on to others.What does denny electric do with all the money saved on not having a benifit progam? Oh yea,he pockets the savings.
The cheapest isnt always the best,remember the fuel tank o-ring on the Challenger space shuttle?low bid!
to SG
Apr 2, 2009 3:27 PM
I am self employed and having health insurance for employees is NOT AFFORDABLE check into it yourself!!! I pay through the nose in taxes if I had any employees I could NOT afford it, and by the way there are many places out there that offer health insurance for theie employees and it is a JOKE my boyfriend works for a larger car dealership as a mechanic and he buys his own policy because it is cheaper and provides more coverage.
The Don
Apr 2, 2009 3:33 PM
Who do you think is paying for the healthcare of the non-covered local employees? That's your tax dollars at work. Metro absolutely did the right thing. More companies should take responsibility for the healthcare of their employees. Work Comp is one thing but healthcare is a whole different ballgame. Metro has every right to stipulate the kind of company they want working for them. Sometimes corporate responsibility has to take precedence over cost.
Vilage Idiot
Apr 2, 2009 3:40 PM
Hope Charlie can remind the state legislature when the legislature reviews the state funding for colleges issue.

metro may have 38% of the students but look at the wasteful spending, do they really deserve more from the other colleges when they spend like this?
Thanks Senator
Apr 2, 2009 3:43 PM
Well I would like to thank Senator Janssen for bringing this corruption to light. Hope they change the policy.
whatever
Apr 2, 2009 5:09 PM
The Don, you hit the nail on the head. MCC has the right to choose what type of company they employ. Sometimes you get what you pay for and a company that cuts cost on their employees will also cut costs in other places. Not to mention the moral of the employees working at a job where they do not have health care. A company that provides health care, an apprenticeship and other benefits will have happier more loyal employees that will do a better job.
I think MCC made the right choice and Fremont companies need to look closer at how they run their businesses. If you want to run your company like a small town business that is all you will ever be. If you want to play with the big boys you need to act like one.
Dont Tread on Me
Apr 2, 2009 5:26 PM
After review of Metro's web site, Fremont does not appear on their district map.

If you call Metro they say we "share" a board member, but the map says differently.

How could it be possible after the lessons in 1776; Metro is allowed to levy a tax, with no representative on their board from Fremont?
Iron Worker
Apr 2, 2009 6:38 PM
I just spoke with a friend from Omaha. He stated the following:

Rhodes - boyfriend has union ties
Hug - works for the IBEW
Grabowski - police union
Corrigan - lawyer for the OFD union

If it looks like a duck, it must be a duck.
Bev Johnson
Apr 2, 2009 8:04 PM
I'd find out who got what underneath the table and how much?
fremonter
Apr 2, 2009 8:04 PM
to Joseph P. Sokolovsky:
i will not take a "cheap shot" at you either. i will say that i agree with union 1 and the don. although i dislike unions, all unions, intensley, i wonder also where the "savings from no apprentice program" goes. whether you Joseph P. Sokolovsky want to ever admit it or not, there is corruption in ALL politics. as i have said before, if an honest person were elected to office, this person would not get anything done unless he or she plays the political game. by this i mean that if one politician wants a vote then he or she has to vote for another politicians program whether or not its good for the people of this city, county, or state. its all just a big game for the politicians. they dont care about the people, they just care about themselves and whats in it for them. i know i am right and as i said before, i challenge anyone to prove me wrong. you just have to know how the game is played to understand what i am saying, most of the people in this country, like yourself, believe that their elected officials are honest and sincere. well they are not. ever think about all the appointments by the president that all of a sudden find out they owe taxes? i have one question for you that will prove my point:
if the elected officials are for the people, then why is this country in the dumper? dont say it was big business. the politicians knew all along what "big business" was doing but did nothing to stop or correct it. the politicians all have a stake in the very companies that are sticking it to the general public. they are connected in a way so the public dosent know it. some politicians are very clever some are not. in the end they will all be caught or at least exposed. mark my words. have a nice day but think about what i have said.
union1
Apr 2, 2009 8:18 PM
Would Mr.Denny explain to the common man why he doesent have an apprenticeship program or provide Health benifits to his employees?
i'm sure alot of people would like to know.i know i would!
oh brother
Apr 2, 2009 11:17 PM
They set out bid guidlines and this guy did not meet them...why was there no outcry when before the bids were annoucnced?

They have reasoning for thier approach. Where was Charlie and others when Metro put these plans together. It was voted on in a public meeting...but no one from Fremont seems to care until thier buddy doesn't get a bid...sounds like whining to me.

And to folks who are confused about Metro representation...yes we have a board member for this area. I love it how Fremont is not so concered about how metro is govered...why not get more involved if everyone is now SO worried ...

oh brother.
Village Idiot
Apr 3, 2009 6:05 AM
Brother, can you spare a dime? We need it to purchase a board seat.

People have been examining the adoption of this "policy" since November when the board took its action. This matter has now become public with the excess spending of 100,000 dollars of tax payer money. The "policy" adopted cleary favors union labor, this is a public board attempting to exclude the very people who provide them with funding.

Did you notice the way Metro thumbed their nose at the state? The did not pay their membership dues required by the state to recieve state funding. The board is attempting to force their will on the state funding formula. They funnel work to the union with no regard to the difference in cost. Denny Electric has exposed this board's true colors.

Where are consequences for those who don't play on a level playing field with the rest of us?

I like the fact that people complain about government spending but do nothing about it. How can we influence those at the federal level when we can't even influence things on a local level. 100 thousand at this level is equal to how many millions at the federal level? We complain but take no action, just what those in power love.
Bobos buddy
Apr 3, 2009 6:56 AM
It's about choice...

The public chose the MCC board, the MCC board chose to make repairs, a few contractors chose to bid on the job, the MCC board chose the contractor.

It is as simple as choosing to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, tattooing yourself to some tree and then using public services to scrape you off the tree. Sorry Charlie, "It’s bad government. That’s bad policy making. The public needs to get involved. I think every resident needs to call..."(their state sentor and thank them for voting against the no helmet bill).
thrifty
Apr 3, 2009 7:17 AM
Let's look at a typical shopping list...

Sam's club soda v. Pepsi
Generic Mr. Plumber v. Liquid Plumber
Yugo v. Buick
Great Value Cereal v. Kellogg's
GPC smokes v. Marlboro Box Light 100
Billy beer v. Budweiser

What do you buy from the choices?

C'mon people, quit crying about the money that was "overspent". We all "overdue" it. The very fact that many have indulged rather than considered the functional purpose of an item, has only fed the beast of the current economic crisis.

If we would only spend like we demand our public officials to spend. NOBODY WANTS THE LOWEST TICKET ITEM.
bottom line
Apr 3, 2009 8:27 AM
Does lowest bidder trip your fancy? How about FREE...as in Pro Bono?

Will the outcriers for support of the lowest bid also support pro bono representation for the city on the immigration issue? Especially if the city could obtain a contract confirming the pro bono representation. Which, to my understanding it has been extended by a notable law firm.

Be careful here....don't support your buddy getting shafted with his lowest bid and then argue it will cost too much to defend a lawsuit against the city, when in fact the lowest bid possible for defense counsel has been made.
Coug
Apr 3, 2009 9:30 AM
It's nice to see our senator looking out for us. I find the whole thing ludicrous. In this hard economic time to pay 113,000 more and where does MCC get off demanding insurance or apprenticeships. If anyone has noticed many non union companies do not have insurance for employees as it is so over the top expensive but any company working must carry workers comp to cover on the jobs accidents and illnesses. Keep up the good job Charlie watching our money and holding people accountable! By the way, is Fremonter and a few other posters whose unethical and accusatory postings related or just friends of Tracy Buffington? I cannot understand why their negative & slanderous rants are tolerated but many posts by other people are not put through that are far less offensive. Do I smell a little favoritism Tracy? But to the subject at hand. Our tax dollars are the ones paying for this project and by no means should we be penalized to the tune of $113,000. No sound business sense.
johny
Apr 3, 2009 9:36 AM
You are always going to get the brainwashed union side coming at this in full force, but what this really comes down to is a crooked policy set up by a crooked pro union board.
Denny was more than capable of doing this job and at a price of 113,000 dollars cheaper. On top of that who do you think is going to give them a better price on the change orders? Denny or a huge union company.
The worst thing for Fremont is around 200,000 will be leaving the Fremont area. Dennys wages, materials and profit would have all stayed in Fremont, with the big union co it will all go to Omaha.
Sad
fremonter
Apr 3, 2009 1:00 PM
to Coug:
i assure you that i only know tracy buffington by name and only thru the paper. the paper has NOT posted quite a few of my posts for various reasons. i only post facts that i know to be true. since i am from a large city that is known for corruption, i can honestly say that there is a lot of corruption in all forms of government in fremont, dodge county, the state of nebraska, only on a smaller scale. the unions, in my opinion, in the entire country are corrupted. they have been and most still are controlled be the mob, mafia, syndicate, la cosa nostre, whatever term you care to use. anyone who thinks differently has their head in the sand. wake up people. the contractors in fremont have some kind of alliance with the politicians and each one feeds the other. my original post was written because i was glad to see that a fremont contractor didnt get the job. i will say however that i am not shocked that a UNION shop in omaha did get the job. someone on mcc's board is working with a politician or two and getting a kickback for their trouble. i also said that i am totally against any union, and i meant it. i will also say that the cheapest bid isnt always the best bid. i dont know denny's or any other contractor in this hillbilly town but i'm sure there's a connection to the city leaders somewhere.
fremonter
Apr 3, 2009 1:03 PM
i will also say that i dont know jannsen or any other politician in this hick state but it will be interesting to see what happens since mcc is taxpayer funded. we will see what a great job janssen or any other politician does. the outcome will most likely tell you people just what i have been saying all along.
Get Over It
Apr 3, 2009 1:10 PM
Having been a Union worker for over 30 years I am sick of people saying that these people get paid under the table. It is not just Union reps that do. Just look at some of our own city reps. I do agree that the contract should have went to Dennys. But.. these companies do have to leave to take better care of their employees with better benefits. Instead of blaming the unions we need to look at the people making these choices and let them know they are doing the wrong thing.
Stalin
Apr 3, 2009 3:48 PM
Are unions socialist or marxist?

You union types are the ones with your hands out waiting for the government to fill them.

This is where the race between democrat and republican starts to see who can give away the most.
fremonter
Apr 3, 2009 7:18 PM
on the subject of unions:
the unions were started to protect the workers many years ago. now we have more then enough laws to protect the workers, so we dont need the unions anymore. the unions are, for the most part, corrupted and dishonest. i have, in the past, belonged to 4 different unions, because of the stupid regulations in place, and all of them were there for nothing but to collect the dues. they dont care about the workers well being or anything about the workers except that the workers, whether they are working or not, pay their dues so the crooks and politicians can get their cut. this is more prevelant in large cities like chicago and new york, but exists in all cities and towns, like fremont. as i said before, i will wait to see what janssen or anyone else does about this situation. i'm sure there will be some kind of coverup involved. sooner or later someone will slip up and bring the whole mess to light. have any of you heard of a man named hoffa? there are still plenty of people around just like him. there is no one in this world worth what the union people get. for instance auto workers, electricians, plumbers, etc. they get outrageous pay and benefits, and you people wonder why things cost so much. wake up people.
Hey
Apr 4, 2009 12:52 AM
Can't Denny's Electric post those bid requirements on their website?
Dont Tread on Me
Apr 4, 2009 7:44 AM
You can find the 12 points in the minutes of the board meeting on the Metro Web site. It is the November 25th meeting, starting at page 4 and going through page 13.

Reader's digest version.

1. pay prevailing wage rates
2. apprentice training, recognized by US Dept of Labor
3. 25% apprentice to 75% non apprentice on job site
4. employers furnish hospitalization and medical benefits
5. carry work comp and auto insurance
6. properly categorize workers, employee vs. independent contractor
7. notices to any sub contractor they are not covered by work comp,health insurance or unemployment insurance.
8. no discrimination
9. definition of employee - suffered or permited to work
10. require all subcontractors to meet all points.
11. Notices at job site about 12 points
12. trades requiring licenses must be licensed.

The board dropped language requiring the contractor to have had graduates from the apprenticeship program the prior 3 years. The original draft gives some insight into the purpose of the original document.
Becca
Apr 4, 2009 9:24 AM
Some of you have asked where the money goes that Denny's doesn't pay for health insurance. It seems obvious to me that he can bid jobs cheaper. And who says that they don't pay a hire wage so their employees can buy their own insurance?
We don't have employer provided insurance, so what? It is my choice to work where I want! If Denny's employees don't like it, they can go elsewhere. My guess is they like their employer and choose to stay, regardless of their health care. And it is workman comp that pays for work place injuries, not your personal health care policy. This is a shame.
Informed
Apr 4, 2009 2:00 PM
I am sickened by the outcry towards the MCC board for following their predetermined guidelines. I have no problem with Denny Electric, but if you do not meet those guidelines then your bid should be excluded. Metro Community College is an educational institution; of course they want to make sure their contractors support skilled labor education such as an apprenticeship program.

And to Charlie, apprenticeship programs are not just a “union deal” Southeast Community College in partnership with Ford and Chrysler offer automotive apprenticeship programs which work with local Dealerships. I worked in the automotive industry for several years and have not met a union dealership mechanic in this state. And even if they were union who are you to judge them for trying to make a better living for their families? I applaud the MCC board for supporting companies who offer better opportunities to their employees.

When are people going to realize that to better our countries economic situation we may have to spend a little more? Why complain about another small business in Fremont closing down as you walk into Wal-Mart. Or complain about the illegal immigrants in town when you take the low bid to have your roof repaired only to have 5 illegal’s working on it. Do you people realize how hypocritical you are being?

I don’t understand why there is still such a stereotype associated with unions. They are not nearly as corrupt as the days of old, or as the media spin’s them to be. Yes they have to play the political game, but that is a necessary evil to get anything done. Most People do not realize how many liberties they enjoy because of the Labor Movement even if they are not in a union. I am a union member, and I wish they did not have to exist. But if you think that all employers are going to take the best care of their employees possible and not always look at the bottom dollar you are severely mistaken.

So to you people taking the moral high road with your anti-union stance, I hope you feel good about yourselves as you go to the bank and cash your $12.00 an hour paycheck, all the while wondering how to make ends meet. I am sure you appreciate that while your company is “saving money” by not providing health insurance, your boss goes home to enjoy their $400,000 home. Whatever makes you sleep better at night.
BKE estimator
Apr 4, 2009 9:31 PM
I bid this project for Baxter Kenworthy Electric and wanted to voice my opinion based on the fact that MCC layed down criteria "before" anyone was "forced" to bid the project.

Informed's post is spot on and I applaud his/her response.

I've bid Corp of Engineer projects and other government jobs for many years. Certain entities place guidelines for reasons important to them which they feel are in their best interest. MCC has the right to draft whatever they feel is best for them and place these beliefs in pre-bidding specifications.

You don't meet the guidelines you don't play.

It's not just an MCC rule or a special interest concern, it's a specific belief set by not only the MCC board in this instance, but by many others who are well informed on what effects them and how, now and in the future.

For Janssen to imply otherwise is to call MCC a liar.

I know of non-union electrical contractors that have their own sponsored apprenticship programs.
Apparently Denny's Electric isn't one of them.
Janssen is unimformed with this ridiculous comment..

"The reason given by the college that Denny Electric didn’t get the bid was that they didn’t offer an apprenticeship program. Realistically, only the unions have them."

Realistically...you're wrong Mr. Janssen!

To cry foul after the fact is unjust. Why didn't Janssen bring this to light prior to the bidding process if it has his nose out of joint? Seems someone came crying at his door step after the fact.

P.S...I've lived in Fremont all my 55 years. And we employ Fremont residents.

BTW Denny's Electric...you missed something! Actually, you're lucky, you just don't realize it.
Unless you're into donations.
Bignell
Apr 4, 2009 11:04 PM
Coug:

I agree, I've been asking the same question for a while. 99% of his posts are slanderous with no factual backing what-so-ever, while I've had 50% of my posts with nothing remotely close to being as bad as his get denied with no explanation. Makes me wonder what side the Tribune favors.
Rusty Pipes
Apr 5, 2009 8:27 AM
Has anyone ever taken the time to count the number of businesses in this town, and then compare that number to the amount of 400,000 dollar residences here? Typical union thinking the boss is out to rob the employee, belive me the employees and my suppliers checks are written before I even think about my check.

Naturally each of you support Metro's abilitiy to make the rules, it throws the work to you and your unions. Obviously Corps of Engineers work have different requirements they are regulated by the Federal Government. No realistic person would belive an average individual could change a rule at that level. The difference here is Metro's board should be local enough the normal citizen should be able to impact this boards decions. Sorry, I forgot Metro can take our money but Fremont has no board member. We have been working on this issue since the board passed it in November, only now after seeing the difference between union and non-union workers has the issue come to light.

What is the ratio of union vs non-union workers required to accomplish the same task? Travel time for the union crew must be in excess of 35,000 dollars for the time required by this project, assuming travel is paid for as it is with our non-union company.

Ps. We employ Fremont people as well. How many apprenticeship classes at Metro has your union promised in exchange for this costly "policy"? As with vacation and benefits, the employee pays for it out of his check?
fremonter
Apr 5, 2009 3:02 PM
to Bignell:
you wrote:99% of his posts are slanderous with no factual backing what-so-ever. if by that statement you mean that i post the TRUTH, then your correct. i get a big kick out the hicks and hillbillys in fremont who have no clue what goes on. wake up and get with it. theres a whole big world out there and its slowly creeping into your little backwards town. whether or not you want to believe what i post or not is of no concern to me. one day, hopefully, you and others will get their heads out of the sand and wake up and realize whats happening.
i am waiting for the day when your (and i mean YOUR) elected officials get caught. then it will be interesting to hear how you try to explain what happened. you people need to wake up and realize that the ways of the old days dont work anymore. its not the same simple life anymore. the people of fremont just cannot take the truth. they still want to live like they always have and be told what to do, when to do it, how to do it. stand up for yourselves for a change. you might like it.
Greg
Apr 5, 2009 5:09 PM
OK, does anyone realize that maybe the reason Denny Electic is able to afford the lower bid is because he doesn't have to pay the high health insurance premiums. Someone would have to pay for it and as the employor he would be responsible to shift the coast of that onto the contracts. He lower bid was because he doesn't have to pay extra for those services. Who knows, maybe the spouses of these employees have insurance so there is no need for the high priced insurance. If it were a huge deal I am sure Denny Electric would have a high employee rate. Does he? If not then i'm not sure how big of a deal the insurance is to the employees, not the public.
sparky
Apr 6, 2009 11:56 AM
After reading the article and the posts, I think that I will steer clear of some of the more personal attacks, BUT, some points to ponder:
1. The specifications for being eligible to bid the project were known by all bidders.
2. Insurance benefits SAVE tax payers money in the long run.
3. Department of Labor apprenticeship standards have NOTHING to do with union or non-union, it has to do with responsibly training skilled craft and construction workers, and meeting DOL standards.
4. The postings about the mafia running the unions? C'mon! There is no more "organized crime" in the unions than in poitics or business. The stereotypes of mafia goons running the unions comes right out of the "Sopranos," not real life.
5. Perhaps Denny did in fact miss something on the bid, happens all the time, and who would pay for his mistake?
6. Check out where low bids can come back to bite you in the end. Recently a Public Power District awarded the bid for metal power poles to a bidder using foreign made poles, as the bid was for $1M less than for poles made here. BUT, THEN, when welds were found to be failing, necessitating repairs and delays which cost about $4M, which bid was, in the end, cheaper? This too, happens more than you think, even though we still pay for it one way or another.
Crystal Rhoades
Apr 6, 2009 5:31 PM
Mr. Iron worker,

My boyfriend doesn't have union ties, but thanks for being aware of everyone I have ever dated, its disturbing people take so much interest in my personal life. For the record my father worked in the trades for 40 years and was never union a day in his life, does that matter? It shouldn't and I will tell you why...

This policy is not about the labor movement. It is about protecting the interests of our college and community. We do not want unqualified untrained workers, working for substandard wages for employers who are misclassifying them so they can avoid paying taxes on those employees. There have been cases of public schools here locally having legal problems as a result of these types of practices, we wish to be responsible and protect our taxpayers from that issue.

This is merely a case of a contractor who is upset they didn't get contract. It's horrible that they wish to distort the facts because they are disgruntled at not being awarded a contract.

Crystal
John C. F.
Apr 6, 2009 5:55 PM
Ditto Sparky !!!!
I was at the pre-bid meeting where all intrested contractors had a opputrunity to come and ask questions, Dennys Electric was NOT there, I was also at the Mero Community College Board Meeting where the bids where accepted, and again Dennys Electric was NOT there, but at both events may other intrested contrators were, This looks like a situatuation that Dennys Electric has a State Senetor in there pocket try to to to little to late.
We in Fremont are lucky to finialy have a decfated Metro facility, So lets bite the hand that feeds us, Me personaly I'm just happy to have the building and to see it being renovated to better Fremont, Lets look at the big picture here, Want Metro to just pull the plug on the renovation ? or move forward ?
Thank You Metro Board for your support and comitment to Fremont.
SG
Apr 7, 2009 10:54 AM
To Iron Worker: As was stated by Ms. Rhoades your observations are a bit off of the markas are Senator Jannsen's. I am Steve Grabowski and I am a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Please check your facts the FOP is not a Union. IN fact the Grand Lodge FOP has a rule against that kind of activity. The Nebraska FOP is NOT affiliated with any union or union organization AFL/CIO nothing. Again Denny's knew what the bidding rules werefrom the beginning all he had to do is to follow them. Thanks for your time see you at the next MCC Board meeting???