MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

Editorials

Discussion

November 6, 2009

Open bidding best

We applaud the nine Cherokee Nation councilors who voted against an amendment last week to limit subcontract work at a casino construction site to majority Indian-owned contractors.

The amendment failed by a vote of 9-8. We can understand the reasoning of the eight who supported the proposal.

They are concerned about Cherokee people and businesses having work at a time when unemployment is high. They also expressed concerns about contractors in far-off places getting work here — “Why send that money to contractors in Phoenix, Dallas, Kansas City or Oklahoma City ... ?” one councilor said.

Despite those concerns, limiting work to certain companies doesn’t serve the nation or the state. Fair and open competition is the best assurance that the work is done correctly, quickly and efficiently. In a worst case scenario, limiting work to certain companies can breed partiality, possibly leading to corruption and increased costs.

The Cherokee councilors, too, should not forget that the money they take into their casinos is not just Cherokee money, but money from their fellow Oklahomans and visitors to our state. Cherokees have an interest in seeing that all Oklahomans and Oklahoma businesses share in the bounty.

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