As Carolina Journal’s David Bass reports in this story, the new majority on the Wake County school board voted yesterday against taking bids for a performance audit of the system’s legal fees. They want a particular attorney — Thomas Farr — to do the work. While I like the idea of a performance audit in order to ensure the county is getting a good deal for work performed, I part company with the board on their rejection of a bid. Either the board believes Mr. Farr knows something other attorneys/firms don’t, or they’re letting frustration over the previous board’s patronizing and dismissive attitude toward opposing views get the best of them. It is human nature to want to give others a taste of their own medicine but I’m hoping the new majority fights the urge. In this case, a bid is the appropriate course.