The mayor in trouble. No, a different mayor.

By Rachelle Bowden in News on Sep 12, 2005 4:50PM

Rolling Meadows has a taxpayer-funded monthly newsletter that includes the sort of schmaltz you would expect: an upcoming antique car show, the suburb’s 50th anniversary, the police department’s volunteer advisory council, and it includes one thing you might not expect: a nearly full-page “article” with the headline: “Who’s That Hard-Working Midas Man? He Looks Just Like Mayor Ken Nelson.”

Wha? Huh?

That’s right, folks, there’s a big-ole ad for the mayor’s business posing as an article smack-dab in the middle of the town newsletter. And some residents are not happy.

The mayor said he sees nothing wrong with this compelling human interest story. The story’s author, the suburb’s PR consultant, said they were just trying to bring the people who manage the city to life. Plus, he added, it’s a timely story. The mayor had to make this career change since School District 15 eliminated the mayor’s job as communications coordinator.

Yeah, Chicagoist isn’t buying it. A mention of the mayor’s biz should get a parenthetical at best: Mayor Ken Nelson (who recently opened a Midas franchise) shakes hands and kisses babies.

You don’t get to do this:
“Midas currently features a ‘Midas Touch’ maintenance package including oil change and filter, tire rotation, and a complete system checkup.”

Or have a picture of yourself in front of the Midas sign with this quote:
“We know we can beat an auto dealer’s cost for maintenance and repair, because our labor rates are lower.”

The mailing went to almost 10,000 homes with their city water bill and cost the Rolling Meadows taxpayers about $5,200.

Cripes. Did he include a coupon?

Thanks, Roland!