FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CLIFTON, NJ — Tafari Anderson, candidate for Clifton City Council, is calling for a more transparent and competitive municipal purchasing process so taxpayers can clearly see how vendors are selected and what the City receives for their money.
Clifton regularly contracts for professional services, infrastructure work, technology, legal services, recreation programs, crossing guards, and other public needs. Anderson said every significant contract should withstand public scrutiny.
“Taxpayer dollars should follow clear rules, not relationships,” Anderson said. “Residents should understand what the City requested, who competed, how proposals were evaluated, and why the winning vendor represented the best value.”
Anderson is proposing a searchable online procurement portal containing bid and RFQ specifications, evaluation criteria, scoring summaries where legally permitted, contract amounts, change orders, renewal terms, and vendor performance information.
He also wants the City to use competitive RFQs and bidding whenever legally appropriate and avoid unnecessarily narrow specifications that discourage qualified firms from competing.
Competition, Anderson said, is one of the strongest protections taxpayers have. More qualified bidders can mean better pricing, stronger service, and less opportunity for favoritism.
“Government should never be afraid to show its work,” Anderson said. “If a contract is a good deal for Clifton, the process should make that obvious.”
Anderson also supports reviewing major contracts before renewal to determine whether service levels were met and whether rebidding could produce better value.
“Transparency after the check is written is too late,” Anderson said. “Accountability must begin before the contract is awarded.”
About Tafari Anderson
Tafari Anderson is a Clifton City Council candidate focused on fiscal responsibility, public safety, responsible development, infrastructure, and transparent government.
Paid for by Friends for Tafari Anderson.
RESEARCH BASIS: City of Clifton 2026 bid and procurement postings.