He ‘loves this bar and grill’

By Len Gutman on January 6th, 2010 In People

Mesa PIO Steve Wright is in some hot water for taking on a part-time job doing promotions for the opening of Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill in Mesa.  Art Thomason’s piece in today’s Republic reports that Wright took the part-time marketing job just six months after seeking thousands of dollars in city bed-tax revenue for its grand opening.

Wright’s side gig may have been approved by Mesa’s city manager, but Mesa City Councilman Dennis Kavanaugh said “Wright’s moonlighting may not constitute an actual conflict of interest under the law, but it raises questions.”

I’m all for taking on some extra work if you have the time, but you always have to be careful to make sure the work doesn’t represent even the appearance of a conflict. Perhaps even more worrisome though is, as Kavanaugh points out in the article, “My expectation would be that the head of our public-information, marketing and communications office is in a position that is 24 hours (a day) on call for the city.”

I totally agree with the councilman. Not to mention the guy earns $110,772 a year as the city’s director of public information and communications. Then again, Toby Keith might agree…what’s more American than greed?

He ‘loves this bar and grill’

Comments

Barry Kluger Says:
January 6th, 2010 at 9:16 am

You are correct Len. I served as Chairman of the Governor’s Film and Television Commission from 2005 until mid-November, when I resigned to take on pr responsibilities for the new Gateway Studios being built in Mesa. Some things are not always conflicts but the perception of impropriety is enough to give it serious thought. There are members of he Commission who are ’stakeholders’ and their being on the Commission does help their businesses but they do not pass legislation or lobby. Everyone has some business interest when they are involved in projects but they need to determine when these are out of line. This guy obviously was. I consulted several legislative people before my decision who praised the fact I was at least “thinking” of a possible conflict and though there was none, I did not want to cause any concerns for the Governor. This guy was not thinking and I’d be surprised if he kept his job.

Marketing $ociologist Says:
January 6th, 2010 at 12:34 pm

Saw the article online Jan. 2. Could not find Steve Wright’s background. Would love to know what sort of background you need to earn $110,000 per year in Mesa. All I could find was some comedian. Anyone able to provide his experience, education and expertise?

Linda VandeVrede Says:
January 7th, 2010 at 10:24 am

Steve Wright the comedian is awesome! He’s originally from Boston, and jumped into the limnelight years ago after an appearance on Johnny Carson.
He’s known for his dry, droll comments delivered in a slow style. “It’s a small world… but I wouldn’t want to paint it.”

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