Monday, October 15, 2007

PBSJ Scandal -- Petition for Suspension of PBSJ Contracts With St. Johns County, Florida Government

Dear Chairman Rich, Vice Chair Manuel and County Commissioners:
1. I respectfully request that you kindly vote to suspend the international architectural, engineering and construction design firm of PBSJ and every single one of its subsidiaries from receiving any more county money or contracts, pending an investigation of its actions.
2. There have been felony convictions of two (2) PBSJ CEOs for illegal campaign contributions and other crimes.
3. PBSJ entered into a multi-million dollar False Claims Act settlement with the Department of Justice involving false claims for federal government work. Other investigations continue.
4. PBSJ's $35 million in embezzlement was allegedly used to obtain corporate funds for bribery. PBSJ has allegedly given illegal campaign contributions to some 100 Florida public officials
5. I respectfully request that you kindly ask the Clerk of Courts to assist your office conduct an investigation of PBSJ for fraud, waste and abuse, including gathering information from the FBI, U.S. Attorneys and the states of Texas, Georgia and Nevada regarding PBSJ's alleged overbilling.
6. I respectfullly request that Commissioners disclose and return any questionable contributions that may have been received from PBSJ sources.
7. Furthermore, a PBSJ Vice President serves on the LAMP Board while PBSJ is a county contractor. Is this a conflict of interest or an appearance of impropriety? I request that Mr. Charles Padera be questioned under oath about his knowledge of the PBSJ corruption scandals, along with every single county employee who has ever been involved in PBSJ contracting.
8. I have posted some pertinent information on PBSJ on "Clean Up City of St. Augustine, Florida," including Justice Department and PBSJ news releases, news articles and other materials, which may be found at www.cleanupcityofstaugustine.blogspot.com
9. Thank you for your concerns and thank you again, SJCBCC Chairman Rich, for taking yet another proposed PBSJ contract off the consent agenda for tomorrow's meeting..
With kindest regards, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Ed Slavin
www.cleanupcityofstaugustine.blogspot.com
Box 3084
St. Augustine, FL 32085--3084
904-471-7023
904-471-9918 (fax)

1 comment:

Mike McQuiston said...

Ed,

Your editorial in Friday's RECORD was right on the money. I plan on following up by contacting the BCC to see what they can do to throw FPL out of the county, and perhaps write an editorial to that effect. FPL ain't no good.

Mike McQuiston
687-1095
topandtobe@comcast.net