Airport’s elevator contract raises some questions

Re Douglas Hanks’

June 13 report, “MiamiDade fires an MIA elevator contractor. Was it for safety or to reward a union?” As CEO of Oracle, the company whose contract was terminated, I’d like an answer to that and a few other questions. Because no one at the county will tell us, we’re going to court to get those answers.

Hanks uncovered a $10,000 donation to Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s political committee from the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC). That’s chump change. We understand the IUEC has agreed to pay Swiss-based Schindler Elevator, the company awarded the contract, as much as $4 million to subsidize its contract.

Oracle won this contract with a bid 50% lower than Schindler’s, which was the highest bidder in an open, competitive solicitation in 2018. The union is making up the difference with a “grant” to Schindler to “make unionized workforces more competitive.”

How does this backroom deal make the process more competitive? What if the subsidy ends? Will taxpayers be stuck with the bill? How much of this money will really go into the pockets of the technicians doing the work?

We are proud of our exemplary service to the county. When safety con- cerns were raised, we worked directly with the airport to inspect every unit we service, after which the airport Office of Elevator Safety and the mayor’s office said they were satisfied the elevators and escalators were safe.

Is it fair and appropriate for elected officials to ignore the open competitive public bidding process to benefit their political allies secretly?

We look forward to getting some answers.

– Tim Shea, CEO, Oracle Elevator, Tampa