City contracts, the Rahmbo Way

[marmar]

(Chicago Sun-Times) Chicago taxpayers will lose millions of dollars a year — and billboard clutter will remain — if the City Council goes along with Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s plan to give one company a 20-year electronic billboard “monopoly,” according to competitors and industry analysts.

“Hasn’t the city learned from the parking meters and the Skyway that, if you get locked in, it doesn’t always turn out the way you want?” said Andrew Polonsky, owner of Evanston-based Surface Advantage, a firm that creates advertising revenue-sharing programs.

Polonsky and billboard giant Clear Channel Outdoor argue that a 20-year agreement with a 10-year renewal option is too long to keep pace with fast-changing digital technology. They say there should have been a request for proposals to give taxpayers the best revenue-sharing deal.

They further contend that Emanuel’s plan gives entirely too much control to a partnership that includes the French company that holds Chicago’s controversial bus shelter contract. ...........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.suntimes.com/news/16276491-418/competitors-knock-city-deal-for-digital-billboards.html

[The Magistrate]

1. If 'Clear Channel' Squeals, Sir, Maybe This Is All Right....

[smaug]

2. Actually,

this is one case where it's too bad that both sides can't lose. It's time for Chicago to throw Raum the terrorist's son out of office for good.

[The Magistrate]

3. Drop The 'Terrorist's Son' Crap, Fella

It just makes you look ridiculous, and generates sympathy for your target, if he is being assailed by rabid squirrels....