I don't hate that the county is required to have a bidding process to sell something with real value. I think this protects the citizens who are the actual owners of the property/item by making the process transparent and open. I think we would all be very upset had the county accepted a third bid that was 1/4 the amount paid that later came to light was sold to the brother of the county commissioner who wanted to bulldoze the track and build a llama farm. We'd all say that was corruption and be pissed that the county "gave away" a public institution for pennies. What isn't great about the process is that it opens up the ability for litigation like has happened in this case. From what I understand Centerpoint argues that their bid was for a higher monetary amount up front and that is all that should be taken into consideration and the County says that may be the case but long term there will be greater value in the bid that was accepted. I think both sides hold valid points although I would tend to agree with the long term look and value that would be created by keeping the track in the hands of a racing and testing company. Both bids would increase tax revenue and create jobs but when that tax money and jobs would arrive are both on different ends of the spectrum.
In my opinion bidding protects the interests of the people **most of the time**, it can lead to strung out lawsuits by disgruntled parties but I do think its the best way for public property to be sold.
