Backward economics

Ordinances giving preference to local contractors seeking government work have been sprouting like kudzu along the Gulf Coast.

But these laws are coming under increasing fire for being a local version of protectionism, reversing the trend toward regional approaches.

Critics contend they smother competition and limit the talent pool while raising the costs and lowering the quality of public projects.
The ordinances, popular with many local politicians and contractors, are meeting with increased opposition from purchasing administrators and economists, and even some politicians and contractors. Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, for one, has been quoted calling the ordinances “parochial.”