How many millions Atlanta favoritism will cost us, answered
I asked the question earlier this month; yesterday, we got the answer:
A federal jury on Monday awarded $17.5 million in damages to an Atlanta businessman who claimed the City of Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport illegally steered a lucrative indoor advertising contract to a competitor with deep political connections.
The verdict, which came after nearly eight hours of deliberations, called for Billy Corey and his company, Corey Airport Services, to receive $8.5 million in compensatory damages, to be paid in thirds by the city, Clear Channel Outdoor Inc. and businesswoman Barbara Fouch.
The jury also awarded Corey $9 million in punitive damages. Clear Channel was ordered to pay $8.5 million and Fouch $500,000.
The verdict was an embarrassment for Hartsfield-Jackson and City Hall that recalled the political maneuvering and outright corruption that came to symbolize the operation of the airport during the 1980s and 1990s.
The city said it will appeal Monday’s verdict.
So, city taxpayers are out almost $3 million in damages, plus whatever legal fees the city has accumulated — and will continue to pile up in an appeal. For what? So that Barbara Fouch can enter a fourth decade of making millions from a sweetheart contract?
No thanks. End the shenanigans, and re-bid the contract.
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194 comments Add your comment
Mr. Smith
July 27th, 2010
11:57 am
Dirty Dawg thinks city officials are FORCED to steal because surrounding counties won’t fund their incompetence?
That makes no sense.
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
11:58 am
“oh, and the “wet the bed” and “none of your business” stuff suggests you have the emotional capacity of a 10 year-old.”
No, it means that I am capable of putting you in your place.
“feel free to respond with “I know you are, but what am I?”
You already did that, ma’am.
Whacks Eloquent
July 27th, 2010
12:02 pm
Hmmm, seems like a good time to throw in the privatization angle again. If this were a private company, they and their shareholders alone would be facing this penalty. But no, this stupid city wants to hold on to and continue to mismanage what should be the biggest cash cow in the southeast. I’d love to see them sell the airport, pay off all debts, return property taxes to lower levels and encourage more businesses to come in with the money they’d make off it. Sure there is no guarantee that a private company would not see some corruption too, but seriously, can they do any worse?
HDB
July 27th, 2010
12:05 pm
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
11:47 am
“the state Department of Revenue LAID OFF much of its workforce”
Why?
Not sure what to tell you, HDB. I filed mine via web and got it back within 2 months.”
Note – if you e-filed your fed, you received your return in 10 days…but the state took two months???
My mother-in-law..who is not technically savvy, filed her paper return…and has YET to get her return back! Everyone isn’t computer literate…particularly those who are elderly!! Even with a paper return, my mother-in-law got her fed back in less than six weeks!!
Wouldn’t you keep the employees working for the department that insures that you’re getting the revenue stream you need to run the state???
neo-Carlinist
July 27th, 2010
12:06 pm
Grand Forks, intelligence is over-rated. You are a prime example (left a state where jobs are being created to move to a city where graft and corruption are rampant). I provied you with the American Heritage Dictionary definition of sarcasm, and asked if the contempt revealed by your comments was for politicians (the subject of this blog) or African American enterainers in general? I have said nothing about racism. even a person of my inferior intelligence knows there is a difference between “race-bating humor” and “racism”. for someone who claims to be “much smarter” than me, I sure do spend a lot of time mentoring you. Oh, and I was among the first to take issue with the City Council’s move to rename the airport (and Southside H.S.). so again, please explain why you feel the need to include non-politician African-American in your weak attempt a humor.
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
12:12 pm
HDB
Yeah, that really stinks. Hope it works out for you because there are a lot of states that have yet to send tax return money to the tax payers.
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
12:17 pm
“intelligence is over-rated.”
Since when.
“You are a prime example (left a state where jobs are being created to move to a city where graft and corruption are rampant).”
Ever been to Chicago, Detroit, LA, NYC etc?
“I provied you with the American Heritage Dictionary definition of sarcasm, and asked if the contempt revealed by your comments was for politicians (the subject of this blog) or African American enterainers in general?”
Dude, speaking of dictionaries, use one please. Also, use spell check.
“I have said nothing about racism.”
Huh, I guess I misread this statement from you: no, it’s called a pathetic attempt at race-baiting humor, which reveals insecurity and ignorance.
You called me so many names, I just assumed you were referring to me as a racist. Instead, you called me several other names.
“for someone who claims to be “much smarter” than me, I sure do spend a lot of time mentoring you.”
LOL! I bet you’re big in fantasyland.
“Oh, and I was among the first to take issue with the City Council’s move to rename the airport (and Southside H.S.).”
And I care why?
“so again, please explain why you feel the need to include non-politician African-American in your weak attempt a humor.”
You’re the only one complaining about my humor, ma’am. Are you not getting any at home?
now tha't funny
July 27th, 2010
12:24 pm
We be livin in da best city in Atlanta. We have a proud history of black leadership in this great city. That’s why we be one of the most educated and influintial cities in the worlds. Sure we have our problems, crime, drugs, lack of leadership, illiteracy, people not wearing their pants around their waist,etc.. but don’t all cities? I love atlanta and strong black leadership up in it. Be proud, we be done come a long way!!
Georgia Dawg
July 27th, 2010
12:39 pm
Now tha’t funny, you be right, don’t forget the fine sewer system that great black leadership left the City
CJ
July 27th, 2010
12:42 pm
Now tha’t funny @12:24,
Racists like you are the Republican Party’s wet dream.
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
12:43 pm
Democrats are liars and crooks.
Rangel, ethics committee in last-minute bargaining
The Associated Press has learned that New York Democrat Charles Rangel is making a last-minute effort to settle his ethics case. A settlement would mean that Rangel must agree that he committed some ethical misconduct.
The talks were confirmed by people familiar with the situation, but who were not authorized to be quoted by name.
Rangel stepped down earlier this year as chairman of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee because of an earlier ethics charge. A settlement would spare him an embarrassing ethics trial. It also would be a relief for other Democrats, who fear that an dragged-out ethics proceeding during the fall election campaign would hurt their ability to maintain their House majority.
The ethics committee’s trial phase has been scheduled to commence Thursday afternoon.
Raymond Huffman
July 27th, 2010
12:44 pm
Grand Forks, do those wonderful jobs in North Dakota and Alaska let you post on blogs all day like the one you have now?
I would rather live in Moscow or Havana that those toxic waste dumps.
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
12:44 pm
“Racists like you are the Republican Party’s wet dream.”
Nah, they’re better in the democrat party along with Robert Byrd. You know, since you gals don’t mind having Klanners serving over 50 years in your party.
CJ
July 27th, 2010
12:44 pm
I wouldn’t blame Kyle for deleting my 12:42, so here’s a cleaner version.
Now tha’t funny @12:24,
Racists like you are the Republican Party’s dream come true.
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
12:45 pm
“do those wonderful jobs in North Dakota and Alaska let you post on blogs all day like the one you have now?”
Not sure, ma’am. I live in GA.
“I would rather live in Moscow or Havana that those toxic waste dumps.”
So would every other commie.
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
12:52 pm
Raymond Huffman
I’m guessing that you’ve never been to Alaska. Alaska is tops when it comes to tourism and is THE most rugged state in the union. Then again, you’d rather live under communists dictators in Cuba.
HDB
July 27th, 2010
12:53 pm
Grand Forks July 27th, 2010
11:55 am
“Funny how you didn’t say one thing about how Franklin added Jackson’s name to the airport when he had absolutely NOTHING to do with the airport.”
Here’s where you’re wrong! When Maynard Jackson became mayor, Delta was in its initial expansion into the international market. Delta/Pan Am had an interchange from ATL/Dulles/Heathrow. Jackson, envisioning that Atlanta’s growth would be tied to the growth of Delta and the airport, began allocating funding for the Midfield Terminal Project. It was under the Jackson Administration that the current layout for Hartsfield was envisioned, designed, and implemented. The original terminals (T(International),and A-D) were opened on September 20, 1978 with Eastern having the first flight out of the new terminal. Because the first mayor who saw the possibilities of what the airport could do was William B. Hartsfield, the city honored Hartsfield by naming the airport after him. Jackson’s name wasn’t added until after his death in 2003 to honor Jackson’s vision of the Midfield Terminal……
Got it!!
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
12:56 pm
“Got it!!”
Nope.
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
12:58 pm
HDB
The council had initially planned on renaming the airport solely for Mayor Jackson, but public outcry,[16] especially by Mayor Hartsfield’s descendants, prompted the compromise.
From Wiki
Now, anyone and everyone knows that the the city council added Jackson’s name to the airport simply to get whitey off of it. When they tried to do that, the city went nuts.
Franklin, like Campbell, is a racist.
Dirty Dawg
July 27th, 2010
1:09 pm
Mr. Smith…like most of my friends on the right you ‘conflate’ a couple of comments in order to jump to your own, erroneous, conclusion. What I said, in effect, is that when the white power structure (the Boss Hog’ reference, as it were) hands out contracts to it’s ‘friends’, it’s considered the way politics works (I mean why in hell do you think those people contribute all that money to those candidates in the first place?)…but when a voting populace changes and (due primarily to the promotion of ‘negrophobia’, and the resulting ‘white flight’, by the right-wing of this Nation’s political structure) decides to elect black politicians who in turn might just hand out a few political favors to their friends, it’s called ‘corruption’.
As for the strangle-hold the state and surrounding counties have had on the City, and increased the pressure markedly over these past eight years…you say it’s for perceived incompetence, I say it’s prejudice – pure and simple. Face it, it first manifested itself when no county, other than Fulton and Dekalb, would agree to participate in MARTA. Atlanta wasn’t considered ‘incompetent’ then was she? We had a white mayor and a predominately white business power structure, so why not participate in a regional transportation system…for no other reason than they feared the boogieman…and they still do, only now that they’ve managed to ’starve’ MARTA for funds over the years, they can say it’s because they are ‘incompetent’.
The City of Atlanta, with all our, so-called, incompetence generates far more revenue into the State coffers than she receives in state services. Tragically, the incompetence at the State level has allowed our competitors for growth – notably Charlotte and North Carolina – to overtake us in many areas and have the momentum to out-strip us even more in the years ahead. We need a Governor that will work in partnership with the City to generate an new era in productivity for the City, the Region and the State. If you haven’t figured that out yet – Reed and Barnes are our only salvation, cause any Republican elected will be beholden to the Tea Partiers and all the greed and prejudice they represent.
Georgia Dawg
July 27th, 2010
1:10 pm
Jackson’s vision of the Midfield Terminal was: HOW CAN I GET MY FRIENDS AND RELATIVES CONTRACTS FOR ALL THE PLUM COMMERICAL SPOTS AT THIS AIRPORT. Some vision
» How many millions Atlanta favoritism will cost us, answered – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)
July 27th, 2010
1:18 pm
[...] How many millions Atlanta favoritism will cost us, answeredAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Most of the voters in Atlanta have a IQ equal to room temperture, pay no taxes and voted for Obama so what can you expect. Kyle after this work on getting …and more » [...]
tar and feathers party
July 27th, 2010
1:18 pm
Its racism pure and simple at the airport. The blacks are in charge, they do business only with other blacks, and the Feds are too chicken to do anything about it. Fine, but that completely justifies my refusal to ever do business with ANY black person ANYWHERE, EVER.
neo-Carlinist
July 27th, 2010
1:24 pm
tar and feathers, as previously noted by others, it is racially-driven cronyism, not racism. you are within your rights to not do business with anyone of any race, but the fact that the airport has become a political poker chip for Atlanta’s black “leadership” suggest to me the discrimination is racial, but not based on the notion that blacks are superior to whites (the essence of racism). in fact, I would argue that Maynard Jackson et al were the equal of corrupt white criminal politicians, which means, as always this was about the color of money.
morganna the kissing bandit
July 27th, 2010
1:33 pm
g-forks,
Your the reason God made Oklahoma, please move there….
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
1:37 pm
“Your the reason God made Oklahoma, please move there….”
Awe, another bed wetting mystery meat tells me to move away. How cute.
HDB
July 27th, 2010
1:38 pm
neo-Carlinist July 27th, 2010
1:24 pm
Many see what Maynard Jackson did as corrupt….but when minority business ventures had been systematically left out the the economic progress of the City, Jackson attacked that idea by requiring that anyone doing business with the city have at least 10% of the contract going to MBE’s (minority business enterprises); that did lead to minority economic growth in Atlanta. Many majority/minority joint ventures were created which did make minority economic growth possible…and created increased minority political power!!
In many areas, what Jackson did DID make the city better for everyone!! Now some took it to the extreme……abd they should be called out!!
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
1:39 pm
“Your the reason”
morganna the kissing bandit, please learn how to use proper English. It helps when YOU’RE throwing out an insult to someone else.
Thanks
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
1:40 pm
“In many areas, what Jackson did DID make the city better for everyone!! ”
Yeah, because race based businesses are great for everyone. Uh huh.
Hey HDB, when’s the all-black city council gonna fix the sewage system that has been broken for over 20 years?
neo-Carlinist
July 27th, 2010
1:41 pm
Grand Forks, now I remember you. I remember the “I’m smarter than you”, “you called me names” and referring to all as “ma’am” from a couple months back. you need to show some sack and stick with the same name – unless of course, you were booted? for the last time, I don’t care if you are a racist – in fact, I have no issues with racists, as I have no control over what people think or believe. I referred to you as “pathetic” and “ignorant” because you dempnstrate these qualities. but just because all racists are ignorant, doesn’t mean all ignorant people are racists. so again, I understand why you think all politicians are corrupt; and I agree – I just think white ones politicans and Republicans (Dick Cheney, Saxby Chambliss, Barney Frank) are just as loathesome as Bill Campbell, Maynard Jackson, Shirley Franklin, and Andrew Young. I just don’t understand why you felt the need to include black musicians/entertainers in your “sarcastic” rant. By your “sarcastic humor” we should name the airport Hartsfield-Alan Jackson, no? remember Alan Jackson? he wrote that “9/11″ anthem in 2001. surely one as intelligent as yourself understand why someone as uneducated and inferior might be confused by the inconsistencies of your flimsy osition. in fact, I think it would be cool to name the airport after Big Boi (or Travis Tritt); he’s done far more for this city than Maynard Jackson.
HDB
July 27th, 2010
1:42 pm
tar and feathers party July 27th, 2010
1:18 pm
“Its racism pure and simple at the airport. The blacks are in charge, they do business only with other blacks, and the Feds are too chicken to do anything about it. Fine, but that completely justifies my refusal to ever do business with ANY black person ANYWHERE, EVER.”
Not quite…there are business partnerships that are both MBE’sand majority/minority joint ventures. The feds are not responsible for the commercial operations of the airport; that belongs to the city. The feds’ concern go as far as security and flight operations!! The airlines contract much of their operations to vendors that THEY chose…not the city!!
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
1:45 pm
“I don’t care if you are a racist – in fact, I have no issues with racists, as I have no control over what people think or believe.”
Oh, so NOW I’m a racist. Before, you said I was not…
“I referred to you as “pathetic” and “ignorant” because you dempnstrate these qualities.”
Grammar fail.
“I just don’t understand why you felt the need to include black musicians/entertainers in your “sarcastic” rant.”
Might have something to do with one Cynthia McKinny who once said we need a holiday for Tu Pac.
“surely one as intelligent as yourself understand why someone as uneducated and inferior might be confused by the inconsistencies of your flimsy osition.”
Grammar fail.
“in fact, I think it would be cool to name the airport after Big Boi (or Travis Tritt)”
I’d rather see the airport named after the B-52’s. At least their name has something to do with an aircraft.
HDB
July 27th, 2010
1:47 pm
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
1:40 pm
“In many areas, what Jackson did DID make the city better for everyone!! ”
Yeah, because race based businesses are great for everyone. Uh huh.
Hey HDB, when’s the all-black city council gonna fix the sewage system that has been broken for over 20 years?
1) The sewer problem was being attacked…but economic decline in the city has prevented that from being further solved!!
2) Not all businesses in Atlanta were race based….but it was a methodology to get MBE’s more involved in the economic progress of Atlanta. Note how Herman Russell’s construction business GREW with the joint contract he received with Hartsfield’s construction! Dobbs/Paschal had the catering contract! It wasn’t race based…..but joint ventures!! It DOES work when implemented correctly!!
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
1:50 pm
“but economic decline in the city has prevented that from being further solved!”
Oh, so the last 20 years were in economic decline?
“Note how Herman Russell’s construction business GREW with the joint contract he received with Hartsfield’s construction! ”
Well yeah, that’s what skin colored contracts will do for you.
Remember what Jackson said: If someone is black, vote black.
Nope, no racism there, huh.
neo-Carlinist
July 27th, 2010
1:51 pm
HDB, I disagree. What Jackson did was no different than what any corrupt politician does; sells influence and votes, which makes the city weaker (and $18 million poorer). please define “minority” for me. Maybarn Jackson and his machine were (are) the “majority” in Atlanta when it comes to doing business with the City. power is power, and it has nothing to do with race.
Burroughston Broch
July 27th, 2010
1:57 pm
If Mayor Reed is the real deal (and I hope that he is), then taking fire hoses to clean out the Airport stable is a great place to start. Since he appoints a new manager, then that’s a plus. Is Angela Gittens available?
Junior Samples
July 27th, 2010
2:03 pm
Kyle Wingfield, bringing out the best of Atlantans’ since May 2009.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Kyle is baiting the hook.
You are falling for it. Hook. Line. Sinker.
Wallis the dog
July 27th, 2010
2:05 pm
If you live only a few miles north of the city, getting to Chattanooga’s airport is an easier experience. THAT’s where Southwest should start flying to. Unless it’s Briscoe Field.
Junior Samples
July 27th, 2010
2:10 pm
And why are you people arguing with someone from North Dakota?
Seriously?
jm
July 27th, 2010
2:15 pm
Nathan Deal is a corrupt b@stard.
HDB
July 27th, 2010
2:17 pm
neo-Carlinist July 27th, 2010
1:51 pm
At the time of Midfield construction, many of the MBE’s couldn’t get a bid into the process because they were excluded by the existing ECONOMIC power structure…particularly in construction and architecture!! When Jackson implemented the MBE section, that created majority/minority partnerships that spurred minority economic growth in Atlanta!! Granted, under Jackson’s administrations, the paradigm shifted….but it was a gradual process…..
Grand Forks July 27th, 2010
1:50 pm
“but economic decline in the city has prevented that from being further solved!” Oh, so the last 20 years were in economic decline?
The past four would be the vantage point which I would refer….with the tax base declining because of the aging population of Atlanta…..
“Note how Herman Russell’s construction business GREW with the joint contract he received with Hartsfield’s construction! ” Well yeah, that’s what skin colored contracts will do for you.
Hey, Russell did excellent work when he was the SUBCONTRACTOR on the initial iteration of the Midfield Terminal…he became the primary contractor on later expansions!! On time and budget……the experience he got during the initial construction allowed him to bid for subsequent projects…..
Burroughston Broch July 27th, 2010
1:57 pm
“If Mayor Reed is the real deal (and I hope that he is), then taking fire hoses to clean out the Airport stable is a great place to start. Since he appoints a new manager, then that’s a plus. Is Angela Gittens available?”
Hope so…she definitely was top shelf!!
Junior Samples
July 27th, 2010
2:22 pm
Hey Grand Forks,
I’ll bet you could you see Canada from your childhood home.
UsmcDawg
July 27th, 2010
2:23 pm
@CJ:
You are a Racist… See, we can do the same “lame” bull $h!t to you.
You are the Democratic Party’s wet dream.
Get an education because hurling charges of racism is passe and doesn’t carry the same “punch” that it once did.
“Everybody’s a Racist!”… Ok, we got it out of our system.
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
2:25 pm
“I’ll bet you could you see Canada from your childhood home.”
Considering Canada is next door, sure.
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
2:25 pm
“And why are you people arguing with someone from North Dakota?”
What does it matter?
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
2:27 pm
“The past four would be the vantage point which I would refer….with the tax base declining because of the aging population of Atlanta…..”
Why four? I brought up the fact that the last 20-30 years have not been all that bad economically. Considering you love Clinton, why didn’t the city do anything about the sewer system when he was in office for 8 years?
Oh yeah, I forgot, you only blame republicans for everything.
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
2:28 pm
“You are falling for it. Hook. Line. Sinker.”
Yet you’re here.
neo-Carlinist
July 27th, 2010
2:31 pm
HDB, so you are saying that Maynard Jackon replaced a (presumably) white ECONOMIC power strcutre with a black economic power structure? and this benefited the city as a whole? as I said, I can think of 18 million arguments against that logic. cronyism does not “create partnerships” it “creates” lawsuits (which created tax increases for citizens). at the very least, the disenfranchised MBEs should have filed suit, as opposed to courting a de facto “mob boss” for a seat at the table.
Grand Forks, I believe I said “…I don’t care IF you are a racist…” now “IF” is a small word, but it is an important word (it’s incoclusive, which is a “big” word). I know this may be hard for you to understand, but you accused me of calling you a racist. I (foolishly) tried to explain the difference between “weak race-baiting humor” and “racism”. there is a difference. you then suggested that because I called you ignorant and pathetic, you assumed I meant “racist”. so, in closing; when a person says “I don’t care if you are a racist” it suggests the person does not know (or, believe it or not, “care”). please excuse typos and spelling gaffes.
HDB
July 27th, 2010
2:37 pm
Grand Forks July 27th, 2010
2:27 pm
The city’s sewer probelms happened because the city’s water and sewer department was in the hands of a PRIVATE CONTRACTOR, not city-run!!
…and BOTH Republicans and Democrats are to blame for this!!
Re: http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/atlanta-water-sewer-rates-154647.html
To expound further: Lawsuits ended with two federal court orders requiring the city to clean up its sewers after years of neglect. Franklin’s predecessor, Bill Campbell, chose to pay fines rather than begin the pipe repair work. But he wasn’t the only leader who failed to resolve the issue. City officials say Atlanta failed to invest in the system for decades. Some major projects didn’t really fix key problems. Millions went toward projects that were later abandoned.
Franklin assumed the title “sewer mayor” and made the Clean Water Atlanta program a cornerstone of her administration. She severed ties with the private contractor running the water system. The mayor also picked an expert panel to review the sewer repair program.
Originally the mayor said ratepayers should expect to pay $1 billion of a $3 billion program. She argued that even that burden was unfair when other cities in similar situations received hundreds of millions of dollars in federal aid.
She said she expected $1 billion each from the city’s state and federal “partners.” But the city could never get that kind of help. The state provided $50 million a year in low-interest loans over 10 years. And, legislators approved a sales tax for sewers that allowed city residents to tax themselves. But the state has balked at any grants.
City officials complained that they’ve faced, for most of Franklin’s tenure, a hostile Republican administration not willing to help a Democratic-voting Southern city. They say the Bush administration was focused on wars abroad after Sept. 11, rather than on the needs of local governments.
In addition, they say, Georgia’s congressional delegation has lacked either the inclination or the clout to help the city with its sewer program.
“We heard a lot from our federal lobbyists that if we did our part, help would come,” said Clair Muller, a councilwoman who has been involved in water and sewer issues for a decade. “It just never did.”
Grand Forks
July 27th, 2010
2:51 pm
HDB
And still, nothing gets done after 30 + years.