Oakland was set to award a $45 million contract to Allied Universal Security Services for guarding public properties, but the City Council favored local firm Marina Security Services. Tensions rose during council meetings, leading to the proposal's removal from the legislative calendar. While Interim Public Works Director Josh Rowan stood firm on Allied's selection, he faced pressure from elected officials supporting Marina. Frustrations grew as he communicated concerns over the council's handling of the contract process, suggesting a need for clarity and order in the procurement.
"There was a clear winner - it was Allied," Rowan told The Oaklandside in an interview. "I believe it either needs to be awarded to Allied, or, if the council wants something different, they can bring their own legislation."
Rowan could barely conceal his frustration during the July 8 Public Works meeting when several members interrogated his staff and rejected his recommendation.
In a July 16 email obtained by The Oaklandside, Rowan wrote that the council's Public Works committee had made a "mess" of things.
He felt he was being "unfairly flogged" by councilmembers, representatives for Marina Security Services, and the public "for simply trying to bring order to chaos.
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