State Sen. Edwin Murray seeks appearance before Legislative Audit Advisory Council
Joe Caldarera said Friday he was surprised to learn that state Sen. Edwin Murray, D-New Orleans, chairman of the Legislative Audit Advisory Council, wants the contractor to appear before the panel and mentioned issuing a subpoena if Caldarera doesn't accept the invitation. The council met Thursday in Baton Rouge to rehash a blistering report by the legislative auditor's office into the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, which Caldarera's company has been building since 2006.
Joe CaldareraThe report found questionable management and accounting practices on the Metairie project, which has grown from an original contract of $26.5 million to more than $44 million -- with another $8.4 million change order in the wings.
Though Caldarera wasn't invited to Thursday's meeting, Murray said he wants a company representative at the group's next meeting to answer questions about issues in the report. He mentioned the use of a subpoena, if necessary.
Caldarera said Friday he welcomes the chance to talk to the committee.
"I look forward to the opportunity of going to that meeting. I have not been invited, but if they do invite me, I'm looking forward to the day that I can go there and tell them about this project."