Page 15 - The Edge - Spring 2017
P. 15
VENDOR/BUYER CONFERENCE
By Don Harris
Ernie Calderón: Here’s How to Stay Out of
Trouble When Purchasing Goods and Services
Ernie Calderón
AASBO members, especially those involved in
procurement, need to be aware of the pitfalls that could land “When in doubt, punt. Don’t rush to judgment.
them in serious trouble.
Ernie Calderón, a prominent attorney who has been If necessary, add another week to the deadline
representing Arizona school districts for more than 33 years,
spelled out some of those problem areas in his keynote to make sure the public is aware.”
address at AASBO’s Vendor/Buyer Conference on January 31. — Ernie Calderón, a prominent attorney who has been
“You’re expected to do things honestly and truthfully,” representing Arizona school districts for more than 33 years
Calderón said. “You have to keep the place running, but
nobody runs a perfect Procurement Office.”
Occasionally, potential conflict-of-interest situations Furthermore, the statute states: “Any public officer or
arise that may not always be apparent. State statute defines employee of a public agency who has, or whose relative has,
a substantial interest “as any non-speculative pecuniary or a substantial interest in any contract, sale, purchase or service
proprietary interest, either direct or indirect, other than a
remote interest.” Continued on page 17
15
