What Is Goin’ On?

The scandalous bid process for the redevelopment of Jekyll Island enters the next phase. In a protest letter to Bill Donahue, Executive Director of the Jekyll Island State Park Authority, Robert G. Brazier, the attorney for the Jekyll Island Revitalization Group, outlines numerous objections to and flaws in the bid process.

You may recall my interview with Wade Shealy in which we found out that political favoritism appears to be alive and well in Georgia. I don’t know how many people called Governor Perdue’s office to protest the shenanigans, but apparently the Jekyll Island Authority is going to stick by its guns and stand by its acceptance of Linger Longer’s bid.

That leaves the Jekyll Island Revitalization Group (JIRG) with little choice but to hire a lawyer and assert their rights, ultimately the right to go to court. (Which by the way, is probably the greatest right we have.) If you take the time to read the protest letter, you will find an overview of the various legal and constitutional issues resulting from the manner in which the bid process was handled.

What does JIRG want?

JIA is advised to consider these constitutional objections, as well as the facts presented to the JIA. JIA is requested to strike the proposal submitted by Linger Longer Communities and select the proposal submitted by Jekyll Island Revitalization Group. In the alternative, JIA is requested to re-start the entire bidding process for RFP 244.

Violations of the foregoing list of rights and guarantees with regard to Jekyll Island Revitalization Group give rise to a direct cause of action under 42 U.S.C.A. $ 1983 and $ 1988 for the violation of Federal Constitutional rights. Such causes of action allow for the recovery of all losses accruing to Jekyll Island Revitalization Group as a result of the JIA’s violation of these constitutional rights and guarantees, including attorneys fees and monetary damages. In addition, the violation of rights and guarantees could give rise to actions for a writ of mandamus or injunction.

Stay tuned. I am sure this ain’t over yet!