Angry Mobs - Pitchforks and $578 Million Schools

The State of California cannot pay it's bills and is issuing IOU's until the next " Government Stimulus". There is nothing wrong with building a $578 million dollar school if you get a $578 million dollar building that produces multiple million dollar students.

Most likely citizens received none of the above. What they most probably got for their tax money is 578 millionaire newly enriched Contractors, School Board Members, Building Inspectors and Architects. You won't find any enriched carpenters iron workers or electricians.

We have a system of competitive low bid processes that insures the best possible price for the tax dollars. How then can the system be circumvented? The first step is to hire Architects who will produce a design that defies the laws of mass production. complex angles and roof designs is good start. A useless hole in the roof and a forty degree flag pole insures materials will not be shelf items at the local hardware.

After you have selected a ridiculous design move forwards to the bidding process. The competitive bids are issued but, only qualified Contractors are eligible to participate in the bidding. All Contractors will be required to pass the States Contractors Test, acquire Bonds and Insurances followed with State, County and City business licenses. If you cannot Bond you cannot bid. These qualifications always narrows the field but seldom produces better buildings. The processes produce a stream of Broker Contractors who all draw from the same sub-contractors who actually do the heavy lifting. It really doesn't matter who the Winning Broker is as the system will produce the same workforce. It comes down to letterhead on the paperwork and the low bidder immediately becomes in control of $578 million dollars of taxpayer guarantees. That's a big ax to swing and the Broker knows how to swing.

The Broker is now in control of a contract and he cannot build for the price given on bid day.

How can he build it for bid price? He cannot. This is where the system of corruption enters into the school. The change orders to contract is the only way for the Broker to make money and the the dollar amounts are approved by the Architects, Engineers, The School Board and County Government. The County or City that operates the School System as the owner cuts the check based upon all required approval and signatures.

Each Change Order is laden with profits that are not subject to competitive bid limitations of bid day. It's truly a free for all environment as the participants raid the public coffers. The Broker makes money regardless of whether he adds or deduct from the Contract Amount. The Broker who donates the most political capital is guaranteed he will be unfettered by building codes and change order reviews.

After awards he must secure all permits and impact fees for water sewer and electricity. More money and worse even more inspectors with their hat in hand.

The system produces an inferior construction with unqualified workers at the highest possible price imposed by corrupt officials.