Upon becoming Mayor in January 2002, I made transparency, openness, and ethics high priorities of my administration, including all contracting at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Significant progress has been made over the course of nearly three years.
Mayor William Hartsfield and his contemporaries founded this airport some 75 years ago and its growth in operations has been a priority for all subsequent mayors. I am proud of our airport. It is not only the “world’s busiest airport,” but is also currently ranked as the most “efficient airport” in the world. The current airport expansion is the largest public works project in the history of Georgia and will ensure our best-in-class status for decades to come. The total annual regional economic impact of the airport is more than $18 billion and it is considered to be the largest employment center in the state of Georgia with over 55,000 employees.
Shortly after my election, I determined that the City was operating on a month-to-month basis on some 40 contracts including several related to HJAIA. Each of the services was evaluated and procurement strategies were developed to put the services out for bid. Some of the affected contracts are costing the City more to operate. The legal challenges to the contract under discussion are causing a loss of revenue estimated at $140,000 per month.
The contract for advertising concessions was extended month-to-month for nearly a decade. As result of the effort to address the contract at issue it was bid in April 2002.
According to recent press inquires, the City anticipates a lawsuit will be filed, led by Attorney Michael Bowers. I am confident that it will be determined that this lawsuit is without merit. As is my policy and practice, I personally did not play any role in the bid review and award of this contract. Be assured that the City of Atlanta will present all evidence to address these allegations and we will, of course, abide by any and all court rulings.
While the City’s program meets requirements of the Supreme Court and related rulings, attacks on Affirmative Action have become common. I do not waiver in my commitment to abide by the law and upholding the principles of Affirmative Action promoting bidding opportunities in the City of Atlanta for women, minorities and disadvantaged business owners for all those who are qualified and capable.