Bob Kersey challenges Kindercare's statements during Phoenix council meeting

The Phoenix City Council held a formal meeting on June 4, 2025, where key discussions centered around procurement issues related to a project involving Kindercare. The meeting began with public testimony, highlighting concerns about the procurement process.

Bob Kersey, a licensed life insurance agent, addressed the council, expressing his frustration over a misrepresentation of a conversation he witnessed between Kindercare and city officials. Kersey stated he would testify in court regarding the inaccuracies he perceived in the summary provided by Kindercare.

Following Kersey's remarks, attorney Josh Grable spoke on behalf of his client, emphasizing significant concerns about the procurement process. Grable, who has 27 years of experience as a procurement lawyer, criticized the handling of the procurement, stating that serious issues were currently under review by a Maricopa County superior court judge. He urged the council to delay any decisions regarding the project for at least two weeks, as a hearing is scheduled for June 20, where new evidence may emerge.

Grable argued that the council's previous decisions were based solely on written documentation, lacking a thorough examination of the facts through a proper legal process. He stressed the importance of a hearing to uncover the truth behind the procurement decisions made by the city.

The meeting concluded with a call for further deliberation on the matter, as council members acknowledged the complexity of the issues raised and the potential implications for the project moving forward. The council is expected to revisit the topic after the upcoming court hearing.