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petitioner and was in the process of publishing Mrs. Harrison’s
biography, also stressed the importance of petitioner’s excellent
reputation to its ability to win contracts.
In contrast, a member of the Ventura City Council, part of
whose job it was to approve trash hauling contracts, testified
that petitioner was awarded contracts because of its “excellent
record”, the honesty of its “operating people”, and its
performance on behalf of the city and because “they have the
equipment and the personnel to do the work.” He noted that trash
hauling contracts are awarded to “the most qualified bidder”, not
necessarily the lowest bidder, as both price and profit rates are
set by the City Council in advance. For that reason, eligible
bidders are prequalified, and the one considered best able to do
the work is selected by the City Council. He testified that, in
years past, at least two trash hauling contracts had been awarded
to companies other than petitioner. Similarly, a member of the
Camarillo City Council, involved for many years in the
negotiation and approval of trash hauling contracts on behalf of
the city, testified that such contracts had been awarded to
petitioner “[b]ecause they’ve provided good service for us ever
since the city was incorporated, and they provide it at a very
good price for our residents.” In addition, Nan Drake,
petitioner’s public relations director and a member of
petitioner’s contract negotiating team, having testified that
Mrs. Harrison is “the one who people like to see at the chamber
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