Dear Editor:
As one who played in the unraveling of the SMUA fiasco I plan to monitor this potential problem in the same manner.
Recently we were informed that the contract for construction of the library has been canceled by the town for defaults by the contractor as to time and workmanship obligations.
This was explained in a news story and also in a letter sent to citizens of Secaucus by the present administration. Hopefully the surety company which insured the contractor’s obligations with a performance bond will acknowledge the defaults of the contractor and meet all financial obligations for completion.
What I found disturbing about the letter to the residents is the defensive tone taken in the awarding of the contract to the dismissed contractor. The letter states: "Under state law, the Town was required to award the contract to the lowest bidder." This conclusion being that the town has no choice and had to give the contract to the lowest bidder. Actually this is not accurate. State law requires awarding a contact to the lowest responsible bidder. The key word is "responsible" bidder. If the bidder is the lowest bidder but is not responsible, then the town need not award the bid to the lowest bidder. I assume the administration did a background check of the contractor as to performance and reliability before accepting the bid as the lowest responsible bidder.
Let’s face it, the last thing we need in Secaucus is another SMUA fiasco.
Tom Troyer