In last Saturday’s paper, school board member, Monica Dziesinski, made statements justifying her vote on a paving bid. Her editorial was supposed to be a rebuttal to community perceptions of her questionable decision making and voting record. The legal jeopardy she may have put herself in with her explanation of why she voted to award an almost $700,000 contract to a higher bidder, Goodrich, is concerning. Not only is the information she provided in contrast to what the public was told regarding the quality of the asphalt the school system was purchasing, but it also appears she made false statements about Payne & Dolan, an asphalt contractor from Gaylord.

If I were Payne & Dolan’s attorney I would interpret this direct quote as defamation. “School boards are not solely required to take the lowest price, but the lowest responsible bidder, allowing consideration of experience, quality and reliability. Taking the lowest bid without these considerations would be irresponsible of taxpayer’s money.” Dziesinski appears to suggest Payne & Dolan does not provide experience, quality or reliability, which is far from the truth and damaging to their reputation.

Additionally, I wonder if Payne & Dolan knew the underhanded manner in which this contract was awarded. Not only was Payne & Dolan the lowest responsible bidder, they were not given the opportunity to submit a second bid for the contract as Goodrich, the higher bidder, was. Also, the school board allowed a representative from Goodrich to influence the board just minutes prior to the vote by providing an in-person self-endorsement.

Dziesinski says she stands by her vote despite a Thrun Law attorney’s attempt to counsel the board on the legal jeopardy they created. She also dismissed similar warnings from Superintendent Rabbideau, former Board President Anna Meinhardt and APS Financial Officer, Mary Lyon.

Dan McNeil, Alpena Township