Convention Center officials originally promised to set aside at least one-quarter of the construction work for minority and female-owned companies. Councilman Wilson Goode last week described that as “crap.” Now, the Convention Center is promising to work toward 50 percent minority and female participation. Goode said that’s realistic only if the Center is willing to hire minority firms from other parts of the country:

“If you don’t do it on this, the largest public works project in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, then you’re still full of crap.” Goode wants a certain percentage set aside specifically for African-American contractors.

(Goode): “What you’re saying is that, as a developer, you do not want to reinvest in an inclusionary zoning program?”

(Dranoff): “No, I never said that sir. Not at all. I am saying, and remember I started my testimony, excuse me I have the floor! I’d like to finish what I’m starting!”

(Goode): “No actually, I have the floor.”

(Dranoff): “You asked me a question. I’m answering it. I’m answering your question.”

(Goode): “I have the floor. The chair recognized me.”

(Dranoff): “OK.”