Construction firm’s controversial past delays new Santa Clara County jail
https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/06/28/construction-firms-controversial-past-delays-new-santa-clara-county-jail/
In a temporary victory for criminal justice reform activists, plans for a new Santa Clara County jail stalled on Tuesday amid concerns about the company that was set to receive a half-billion dollar contract for the construction of the facility.
County Executive Jeff Smith said his office will examine the past practices and contract application of J.E. Dunn Construction. The Kansas-City based company has faced a number of labor lawsuits involving minority workers and its owners have spoken out against contraception and abortion. Smith made the decision after activists submitted a letter to supervisors shortly before the vote outlining the company’s history.