Press Clippings

August 20, 2004 - Friday, Berkshire Eagle Editorial: City must play by the rules

The recommendation of the state attorney general's office that the competitive bidding process be followed in construction projects at Wahconah Park constitutes a much-needed reminder to City Hall that the ballpark belongs to the city and is not the private plaything of Jim Bouton and Chip Elitzer, even if they behave as if it is. The attorney general's office, reacting to a complaint filed by the New England Council of Carpenters, Local 108, over the bidding process for construction at the park, remanded the issue to the city "for action consistent with the opinion," which means City Solicitor Christopher Speranzo should make sure the city follows all regulations, including competitive bidding, involving Wahconah Park. Whether or not Mr. Elitzer and Mr. Bouton are inconvenienced is of no relevance, considering there is still no indication they will have a baseball team to play at Wahconah Park next summer. What is relevant is that the city follow proper procedures.