Fools on you, Janet

By on April 10th, 2008 In Hype!

janet napolitanoSoooo…I am driving home today and listening to Mac Watson on KTAR and got quite a kick outta this.

Remember that April Fools prank that KTAR did with ADOT and the Governor’s office? They reported that drivers would have to pay tolls on Valley highways…charging $2.02 to drive the 202 or just 51cents for the SR51. I thought it was a genius April 1st zinger and most people figured out the news was a joke quickly…I mean, come on, are you kidding me? Ok, I admit, for a moment there I did wonder how much change I had in my car’s cupholder…but then I realized I work at home and then finally that little switch in my head went on and I figured it out. (I am a natural blond, ok?! ha.)

Well, it seems some people freaked out and inquired with the state agencies (before getting a clue and checkin other media outlets to see if there were same reports.) Well, for that few hours of wasted time, ADOT apologized to the Governor and State Officials want to issue fines to KTAR for wasting the state’s time answering angry emails and phone calls.  KTAR’s Program Director, Russ Hill had a great response to this.

“I think they should get the brightest accountants in state government together. I think they should draw up how much time was wasted and send a bill to KTAR and we will pay it, if the governor’s office and the Republicans and everyone else in state government will agree to allow KTAR listeners to come up with a bill – a list of things – we think that state government’s wasting time on,” Hill said.

“Because they are paid out of our money, right? And do we think they waste time – Republicans and Democrats in state government – from time to time? I think we do,” Hill said. “So why don’t we put together a list of things we think they’re wasting time on, and we can send that and deduct that from their paychecks.” 

Who looks foolish now? And who just got listeners fired up and talking and commenting?!  

Comments

Kathy Kerchner Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 10:13 pm

This is the most ridiculous non issue I can imagine. Our state government can’t figure out how to manage major issues like the budget, education, and immigration, yet they focus on something as simple and harmless as an April Fools joke that is fun and creative. How could anyone believe that our ineffective legislature would pass major legislation about toll roads overnight? And that highway 101 would cost $1.01, highway 202 cost $2.02, and the 51 cost a bargain price of $.51. I hope Doug Nintzel doesn’t take the fall for this.

Richard@GreatImageLtd.com Says:
April 11th, 2008 at 7:02 pm

I was wondering, like Kathy Kerchner, what has become of Doug Nintzel? Anyone know? Great to hear from Ms. kerchner.

Tim Tait Says:
April 12th, 2008 at 11:55 am

Doug, like everyone else at ADOT, is OK. We’ve all learned a few important lessons as a result of this adventure.

Adam Nollmeyer Says:
April 12th, 2008 at 12:01 pm

One of my phone numbers is XXX-555-1380 For YEARS I have received calls for AZDES, who’s number is 1360.

People mis-dial, but the az Gov messed up once and printed 1380 on a few memo’s years ago, so some of the calls are the “right wrong number”.

I’m going to start charging whatever directory assistance calls when I give out the right number!
:-)

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