Before both sides of the issue can be presented, the process of how these reconstruction jobs are obtained must be evaluated. When reconstruction is needed, multiple companies produce proposals, or bids. The companies are then evaluated based on their bids and capabilities as a company to complete the reconstruction jobs. In an emergency situation, there is a different call of action. The government quickly hires large national companies to complete the reconstruction jobs as quickly and efficiently as possible. The companies are hired by the government with no biding contracts.
In September, the Bush Administration awarded all contracts to rebuild without completing the biding process. This caused controversy amongst the people of Louisiana, because the locals wanted to be involved in the process of rebuilding. A couple of days after the Bush Administration’s first order, the order was recalled. The Bush Administration then decided to reestablish the biding process, with the exception of the already awarded contracts to companies with a value of a quarter million dollars. So the question remains, were the reconstruction jobs in New Orleans appropriately bided out, and who should get the jobs of reconstruction New Orleans?
Some agree that the local companies are the ones that should be awarded the reconstruction jobs in New Orleans. Allowing the local companies of New Orleans to obtain the job of reconstruction creates jobs for many people who are in need. Because of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, up to 80,000 New Orleanians lost their jobs. The people who would be given these jobs include: veterans, minorities, and small business owners who were severely affected by the storm.
Keeping the jobs in the state also allows for the economy of Louisiana to start its process of rebuilding. With no influx of money – no taxes and no revenue, the economy of New Orleans has depreciated – which has taken a huge effect on the state as a whole. Allowing local companies to be used in the rebuilding process would begin cash flow in the city, starting the process of rebuilding the economy.
One of the most important aspects of the argument behind allowing local companies to rebuild is that local people know New Orleans. Utilizing local people brings back the local knowledge, talent, and resources that built this city from the start. The people who should be rebuilding the city are the people who will be living there.
