The Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Bengals officials sent a pair of threatening letters to Hamilton County this week in an attempt to convince the county to hire the team to manage daily operations at Paul Brown Stadium. County administrators say the letters are a clear violation of their policy prohibiting bidders from communicating with county employees during a contract selection process. Commissioners Bob Bedinghaus and Tom Neyer both said they will support the idea of starting fresh. They will vote on the issue at Monday's staff meeting.
Bids are a matter of public record, available to any citizen.
Suzanne Burke, director of the county's administrative services department, said the Bengals requested information on the two other bids after the deadline passed. That letter was addressed to Amy Hoh, the county's selection committee leader. In one portion, Mr. Dornette says that SMC's proposal does not comply with the county's request for bids and should be disqualified. County policy states that questions can be directed to Ms. Hoh. Mr. Dornette said Friday that his letter was an inquiry to Ms. Hoh and therefore not a violation of the policy.