From the Los Angeles Times today: An article about the Los Angeles Department of Power and Water putting a contract out to bid just after a rate hike. This story shows how enlightened and backward we can be all at the same time.
DWP bid to hire lactation specialist draws howls
One critic questions why the utility, a week after authorizing new rate hikes, is willing to spend up to $50,000 to teach employees how to breast-feed.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power came under fire Thursday for paying specialists to show new and expectant mothers at the utility how to properly breast-feed their children.
The plan to issue another DWP-funded “lactation services” contract drew howls from taxpayer advocate Walter Moore, who pointed out that the utility’s five-member board voted just last week for a package of new water and electrical rate hikes.
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The newly hired DWP general manager, H. David Nahai, said he has no intention of abandoning the contract.
“It’s enlightened. It’s humanitarian. And it boosts productivity,” he said.
Still, DWP board President Nick Patsaouras said he wouldn’t vote for the contract if he had the opportunity, regardless of how low the bid was. Because it is expected to cost about $50,000, the decision is up to Nahai, who has discretion over any contract under $150,000.
“I don’t believe in these things,” Patsaouras said. “If you are a private company, you can spend your money as you want. But when it comes to taxpayers’ and ratepayers’ money, you have to be more careful.”
Read the entire article from the Los Angeles Times by clicking here.
I think I may apply for that job….16 hours weekly at $50,000? Sweet gig!
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