Press contact: Laura Slay
314-504-0081
NO MORE BUSINESS AS USUAL: GAMBARO ANNOUNCES PLAN TO CHANGE WAY THAT BUSINESS IS DONE IN THE CITY AND STATE
April 13, 2006, St. Louis, MO -- Derio Gambaro, democratic candidate for the 4th Senatorial District seat in the City of St. Louis, will announce tonight that he is calling for government reform from Jefferson City to St. Louis City. “I am calling for practical solutions to the tough problems that we face. Tonight’s announcement is just the first step in a multi-phase initiative to make our community stronger,” Gambaro said.
According to Gambaro, over the next two months, he will roll out a NO MORE Business As Usual Plan, which will identify three impediments to honesty, integrity and accountability in government and which will propose a solution for each. “We’re going to find solid solutions, not make cheap illusions like some other candidates for this office,” said Gambaro. “That's how we are going to build the strongest and most competitive economy in the Union.”
Gambaro wants to overhaul the current system of handing out lucrative fee office contracts to big dollar donors, corporate fat cats and political allies across the State. “The citizens of Missouri should not have to deal with incompetence and ineptitude because of government corruption and cronyism. Long lines, tiresome delays and poorly managed and trained staff at State contracted fee offices are now business as usual. I am calling for a complete overhaul and an end to this play for pay system,” Gambaro said.
“Our new model will provide a transparent, efficient and cost effective system that will focus on providing good value to the State and quality service to our residents. We call on the governor and the legislature to join with us to move quickly and efficiently toward approving the following changes:
Gambaro proposes five criteria for granting fee office contracts under the NO MORE Business As Usual Plan:
1. Contracts will be subject to a fair and equitable bid process.
2. Contracts will be granted to the company that offers best value to the State.
3. The bidding process and performance of contractors will be subject to random audits.
4. No contract will be granted to relatives of political office holders and/or agency heads.
5. Fee office contractors will disclose all political contributions made during the previous two election cycles and through the duration of the contract.
Gambaro chose the South Kingshighway Department of Revenue and Motor Vehicle Office as one example of a mismanaged fee office. “I can’t count the number of calls that I have received from family, friends and neighbors complaining about the long wait and poor customer service at this office. Some people are waiting up to two hours to get their plates renewed. This is completely unacceptable. Tax payers deserve better than that,” said Gambaro. In 2005, the Governor named Damir Huskic, a Republican political insider, to oversee operations of the fee office. The office has been through five managers since that time and is being investigated by the Department of Revenue for missing equipment and possibly missing cash.
Gambaro will announce his plans tonight during the following neighborhood association and labor meetings:
7:30 PM – 8:15 PM
Hi-Pointe Neighborhood Association
Dewey School
6747 Clayton Ave. (Dogtown neighborhood at Berthold)
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
St. Louis Labor Club Meeting
St. Louis Electrical Industry Training Center
2300 Hampton
Gambaro said he plans to announce other NO MORE Business As Usual initiatives later this spring.
-30-