Take a look at City Attorney Mac McCarley’s response to concerns that city-bought TV profiles of current council members constitute a de facto campaign contribution to candidates for political office.
I believe McCarley seriously contradicts himself when he asserts that the purpose of the profiles is “educating the public about City [sic] leadership and current affairs,” yet notes that the profiles will not be re-aired before the election. Well, why not? If they are merely educational and not advocacy, what is the problem?
I’ll tell you the real issue. McCarley and city staff know that they can do whatever they want so long as they have the barest justification, be it legal, fanciful, or somewhere in between. A city government TV channel — one many of us pay for via franchise rights and fees Time Warner recovers from subscribers — that was remotely concerned about fairness simply would not profile elected officials. Ever.
If you missed the profiles and want to see them via YouTube, go here for a copy of links to all council profiles.
