Corpus Christi Caller Times Caller.com - Contractors eager for bond work

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Thursday, May 27, 1999

Contractors eager for bond work
Commissions are urged to spread jobs around
By Jennifer Stump
Caller-Times

One hour after people started casting early ballots, some commissioners and local contractors were talking about the county's $38.5 million bond election as if it were a done deal.
   Representatives of real estate and builders associations asked commissioners to consider local contractors first during the competitive bidding process for raising the JFK Causeway, dredging Packery Channel and building a county fairgrounds in Robstown.
   And commissioners discussed passing a resolution in favor of small business and keeping tax dollars in Nueces County.
   Of course, residents first have to approve the bond issue.
   Two floors below, the first voters were doing the real decision-making. Early voting on the bond issue will continue through June 8. Election day is June 12.
   Roland Barrera, executive board member of the Hispanic Contractors Association of South Texas, said the bond proposals, could give a boost to local industries right away.
   "This is an excellent opportunity for the smaller guy," Barrera said. "Small business, big business, the citizens on the street and especially children would benefit from this project."
   Lawyer Mark Garcia said the county should spread the wealth by giving several contractors a piece of each bond project.
   "It seems we have this Wal-Mart syndrome where the big guy gets bigger and small guy fades away," Garcia said. "I ask that you continue to support small business and break these big contracts into smaller ones when possible."
   Commissioner David Noyola suggested passing a resolution that the county would award contracts to local businesses whenever possible.
   "I think we can be a role model in giving opportunities to small business," Noyola said.
   Commissioner Joe McComb, however, said the county needs to concentrate on the election itself.
   "There will be a lot of work in these projects if we get them passed," McComb said. "Of course, the biggest work right now is to get them passed."
   Commissioners also said they want to work more closely with the City Council in developing plans for the Corpus Christi area for the next five to 10 years.
   Noyola said both groups might be able to save money by pursuing joint projects and should coordinate on large public works projects.
   "There's some other concerns I have," he said. "For example, the seawall could have been included in the bond election."
   The seawall was completed in 1941 using county money, but the City Council is considering how to pay for the estimated $36 million needed to pay for structural repairs.
   County Judge Richard Borchard said he will look into setting up a joint lunch or dinner between the commissioners and council, possibly in early July. Council members have criticized commissioners in the past for not spending enough money within the city limits, where most of the county's taxpayers reside.



Staff writer Jennifer Stump can be reached at 886-3778 or by e-mail at stumpj@caller.com

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