House printing contract aimed at savings and cost efficiencies

Regarding recent articles about the new Missouri House of Representatives printing contract:

When the speaker of the House and the House Steering Committee interviewed me last December to be the next chairman of the Administration and Accounts Committee, I made it very clear that, if selected, I would work to reorganize the House of Representatives and make it a much more efficient and cost-effective operation. As chairman I am working with the speaker, the House clerk and committee members to accomplish this goal.

For example, I have invited numerous efficiency and business consultants to come in and analyze how the House conducts its internal business and to present proposals to the House on how we can improve operations at a reduced cost. The House has begun this important process and recently negotiated a printing contract that would save taxpayers money and improve the quality of printing services for the constituents that House members serve.

IKON Office Solutions approached the House with a proposal that would vastly improve the quality of our printing services with newer, high-tech equipment while saving taxpayers over a $1 million over the next five years. The potential for hundreds of thousands of dollars of additional savings is likely as the House allows IKON to consolidate other services over the same time period.

A counteroffer from Xerox, the House's current vendor fell short in the savings and services that IKON proposed to the House. Therefore, in bipartisan fashion, the Administration and Accounts Committee voted to accept IKON's proposal.

While some have unjustly criticized the House for "privatizing" our printing services, I sincerely believe that it is my and every elected official's responsibility to be good stewards of the public's money. Good stewardship means spending those hard-earned dollars as wisely and efficiently as possible. I think the House of Representatives has accomplished this goal by selecting IKON as our printing vendor.

In addition, the Missouri House is streamlining other services such as communications, technology, housekeeping, energy and other vital services. During the times of smaller budgets and reduced government services, I think it is proper for the Missouri House to lead by example when it comes to reducing spending.

I hope that the citizens of Missouri are pleased with the House of Representatives efforts.

Mark Wright of Springfield, Mo., is a state representative representing the 137th District in the Missouri House of Representatives, where he is chairman of the Administration and Accounts Committee.