Corporate sponsors
Several large cities are entering sponsorship agreements with big corporations. The companies get exclusive rights to sell their products in public buildings or to put their company logo on public vehicles. In some cases, the company’s name could be attached to public facilities in the way sports arenas are named for sponsors. American City & County asked readers of its weekly e-mail newsletter whether local government use of sponsorship agreements is a good practice.
“This just smacks of corruption. What happened to civil service, protection of the use of public funds/services and trying to serve the best interest of the public, meaning not just low cost but quality? It sounds like government is going backwards to the 1920s, when back door deals were made and things were run by various ‘groups.’ This all is part of the new trend to try to run government like a business. Well, it just should not happen. Government is tasked to protect and serve the public. Business is tasked to protect and serve itself, stockholders and profit.”
— Leah Markle Grossi, civil engineer, Los Angeles World Airports
“We are looking at alternative revenues and partnerships as well in the Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation Division. We do a lot of partnership things now but are always looking to see what others are doing. [There is] no problem with looking at alternative revenues, but we try to be cautious where we use advertising and have not allowed staff to sell or promote products.”
— Neil Zaph, director of strategic services, Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation
“Without unbiased bidding protocol, this should not be allowed, as it appears to be an ethical issue and reeks of selling out the community or other governmental agencies. There is always the perception that we are selling out.”
— Joseph Pratt, city auditor, Gloucester, Mass.
“Selling sponsorships is as bad as government lotteries. There is too much temptation to sell to the highest bidder and get hidden kick backs. Let’s have responsible government living within its means and setting the example for its citizens.”
— Jenny Hullinger, secretary of community & economic development, South Bend, Ind.
