Our view: J5/Broaddus is flunking its first test
Last July, the Columbus city council voted to create the new position of project manager to oversee city projects. That position went to Jabari Edwards and his J5/Broaddus firm. It did not escape anyone’s attention that Edwards has close ties to mayor Robert Smith: Edwards served as the mayor’s campaign manager.
Our view: Columbus and ‘Catch 22’
During Tuesday’s regular meeting, the mayor and city council met to iron out the details for the renovation of the Trotter Center. In that meeting, the council hired an architectural firm whose lone experience has been building a gym at a Macon daycare center, arranged a loan to cover the expenses of the project and then heard from a representative from the city’s new project manager, which spent most of his time trying to justify his firm’s role in the operation.
J5/Broaddus owner stands behind Smith
Jabari Edwards, owner of project managing firm J5/Broaddus said Thursday he stands behind one of his employees, Orlando Rendall Smith, son of Columbus Mayor Robert Smith. The younger Smith was arrested Saturday.
Project manager idea has its share of critics
The creation of a project manager position for the city of Columbus and subsequent hiring of J5 Broaddus for the position has produced mixed reaction from residents who are unaware of what a project manager does.
City will pay J5 Broaddus $90K plus
Columbus councilmen voted Tuesday to compensate J5 Broaddus $90,000 yearly plus a six-percent fee of expenses for each project it manages.
Councilmen Gene Taylor, Joseph Mickens, Marty Turner and Kabir Karriem voted in support of the four-year master services agreement with the firm previously selected to the fill the newly-created city position of project manager. Charlie Box and Bill Gavin voted in dissent.
Council to consider pay for J5 Broaddus
Columbus councilmen are expected to consider a lease agreement and compensation for J5 Broaddus, the company they hired July 2 as the city’s project manager, when they meet 5 p.m. today at the municipal complex.
Project manager choice linked to political, business interests
While questions abound about the City Council’s sudden decision to create a project manager position at its July 2 meeting, one thing is clear: the major players in the saga — Mayor Robert Smith, Jabari Edwards and Russell Sheffield — have deep business and political connections.
Our view: Robert Smith’s circus
Like a child who is convinced that he has committed the perfect crime in sampling the forbidden cake, unaware that the evidence of his offense is smeared across his face, the Columbus City Council has again pulled off a stunt that has fooled absolutely no one.
Mayor defends project manager hire
Columbus Mayor Robert Smith said contract fees will be discussed next week with the management team of J5 Broaddus, hired by the city council Tuesday for the newly-created position of project manager.
Council creates new city position, makes hire
The Columbus City Council voted to create a new position Tuesday night for project manager and staffed that position with local construction firm J5 Broaddus.
The council also appointed a new prosecuting attorney, Scott Colom, to replace Shane Tompkins.