Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed won't have to testify in an appeals hearing where a concessionaire is challenging the award of concessions contracts for Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
SSP America Inc. is appealing the award of the five largest airport restaurant contracts, contending the contract process was flawed and that the concessions director had conflicts of interest that ensured companies with connections to the mayor won contracts.
Hearing officer George Maynard on Wednesday issued an order quashing the subpoena, stating that SSP "has presented no evidence that Mayor Reed was involved" in drafting the solicitations, selecting evaluators, scoring or decisions by the chief procurement officer on the solicitation.
"Each of these witnesses testified that he or she received no communication or contact whatsoever from Mayor Reed or his office seeking to influence" those decisions, and no evidence was presented showing the mayor would have any relevant testimony in the appeal, the order said.
Maynard's decision came after two days of testimony from airport and city employees during the administrative appeals hearing. The hearing is expected to continue with testimony from other witnesses.
