To The Editor:
After reading the May 21 Influence column on the awarding of Norwich billboards to state Sen. John Fonfara, I find it necessary to reply. My company, NextMedia – the largest billboard company in the state – outbid Sen. Fonfara’s company in every important area:
• After 15 years Norwich would receive $165,000 more under NextMedia’s offer than under Sen. Fonfara’s.
• NextMedia offered Norwich $100,000 signing bonus for a 15-year contract, Sen. Fonfara offered $100,000 for 20 years. NextMedia’s offer permits the city the opportunity to go out-to-bid five years earlier. As a result, Norwich would reap the benefit of collecting a new signing bonus and higher monthly fee.
• Both companies offer a 35-percent share of net advertising revenue. Though this appears to be equal, it’s far from it. NextMedia has access to state, regional and national advertisers ensuring the sale of these billboards at the highest possible value. Sen. Fonfara’s fledgling business has no billboards or leverage on advertisers.
• NextMedia has a solid financial reputation. Sen. Fonfara is the sole proprietor of his company; he has no employees, no facilities, no sales team or no billboards. The City Council assumes a huge risk by selecting Sen. Fonfara.
Knowing these facts one must ask the question; why did the Norwich City Council select Sen. Fonfara?
Was it because of the involvement of Senate Democratic staffer and Norwich Ciy Councilor Jackie Caron? She serves on the Parking Authority where the contract originated. In addition, she sponsored the resolution awarding the contract to Sen. Fonfara. And she only abstained from voting after being questioned about her clear conflict of interest.
Was it because Sen. Fonfara hired a lobbyist [involved with] the mayor’s and many of the council members’ campaigns to introduce him around City Hall?
In return for securing Sen. Fonfara the billboard contract in Norwich, does the lobbyist’s major energy client have their issues addressed favorably by the senator, who happens to chair the General Assembly’s Energy Committee?
These questions need to be answered. However, we may never know the influence and backroom politicking that delivered this contract to Sen. Fonfara and this should upset the citizens of Norwich.
Charles Ghione
NextMedia Outdoor Advertising Co.
Berlin
