Joe Saino says when it comes to the City of Memphis, finding out about public information isn't so public.
Saino had to file a lawsuit to get copies of documents connected to information technology contracts. It's many of the same contracts that, according to a letter from the FBI, agents wanted copies of as well. Saino finally got some of what he was looking for but not everything.
"I finally signed a settlement and said I give up. I can't have some of this info but it sounds funny and I thought the only people who would be able to get that was the government," said Saino.
And that's what happened. The fed's asked for contracts and payments connected to the following companies:
- E.W. Moon
- Systems and Computer Technology Corporation
- Affiliated Computer Services
- Mitchell Technology Group
- Thomas Consultants
- Integrate Technologies
- Leshure Computer Services
Saino says in most cases these companies were subcontractors to ACS. ACS got the main contract with the City of Memphis for information technology. Almost all of the companies on the list are minority owned businesses. Saino says this is not about race, it is about open government and he wants all contracts and information about the losing bidders put on the web.
Saino said "I have no objection to minority contracting, except I think taxpayers should know what premium they are paying. All contracts should be full and open and they are not."
So who are some of the business owners connected to the contracts that the FBI requested? Elvin Moon is a longtime Herenton associate who has received several no bid contracts. Back in 2005 Herenton sold Moon a piece of land for $50 thousand. Not long after that moon signed the land back over to Herenton.
Reginald French runs Integrate Technologies. French is a former Herenton aide and longtime friend. Marvel Mitchell with Mitchell Technologies told Eyewitness News Everywhere, he knows Mayor Herenton professionally, but they are not buddies. Mitchell says he has not done anything wrong, but he questions if all of this scrutiny makes it even worth doing business with the city.
