MASON CITY – It appears Mayor Eric Bookmeyer is in the insurance business.
Using city stationary and letterhead, Bookmeyer mailed to all (or most) Mason City property owners a letter urging them to buy sewer line insurance from a particular company. He gives the price and the phone number of company he seems to be personally backing.
A long-time former city official who left his job last year tells NIT tells NIT that “this is the first time that I know of that the city gets in the business of such solicitations.”
Other Mason City citizens have contacted NIT and voiced their skepticism of this “program” Bookmeyer is recommending.
What do you think. Is it ethical for the mayor to send letters recommending certain products or services? Is this insurance a worthwhile investment?
View the letter:
http://northiowatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bookmeyer-sewer-line-sales-pitch.pdf
Its going on in Cresco, IA too!!!!!
Hard to know what this is all about. I did not get the letter, so if it is for all of the citizens of Mason City, they again fell short. I think this needs some major investigation. I agree with the idea of sending this to the Attorney general and at least have the Mayor explain it at a council meeting and have the City attorney check into the legality of this. And, how does Bookmeyer profit from this would be another question… He does not do anything for nothing. And if it is out of…
No, it’s for all PROPERTY owners….. Not all citizens.
We recieved the letter at our house. We rent. It was addressed to my son who has not lived with me since 2004. He doesn’t even live in this region of the US.
Just remember, the sewer line or water line (either one) isn’t just yours from the edge of your house, it’s from the tap-off point under the sidewalk to the street. If it collapses, it’s on you. It’s worth looking into your homeowner’s policy before I would sign on with this, but some people don’t understand how much sewer or water line is REALLY theirs and not the city’s. In other towns, they may fix it for you and then bill it against your property taxes to give you a bit of time to…
I didn’t think it sounded like a bad idea.
Looks like The Glob-Gazette Support’s this;
http://globegazette.com/news/local/mason-city-announces-sewer-line-protection-partnership/article_6cfcea24-177b-5013-aaf2-541685173e44.html
Scam,
Try “Watchdog: Insurance Company Pays to use Dallas City logo” in your search engine and article in Dallas News explains how this deal was set up in that city
My home owners insurance co. offers this as a rider. When offered in the past, I have declined, I will take my chances. As it is after hours I can’t get a quote, but assuming the premiums are the same, (unlikely) and assuming you see see this as a prudent purchase (not my call) who would you rather deal with in the event of a claim, some one with a toll free number or the person with an office down the street? Why is he shilling …….
I used to think some of you were a little harsh in your criticism of the mayor but maybe not after all. This is over the top, it just reeks. Either he’s crooked or stupid or both. This is worse than the revenue producing traffic camera scam in other cities. Offering a discount? A discount from what, some arbitrary number plucked out of the air? Hurry, or you’ll lose out on the “savings”! As others have mentioned, the sad part is that some will be deceived by this “official” endorsement…
I think the city is just trying to cover their a$$ because they realize the infra structure of this city is going to hell. Water mains, sewers, etc
@SBT-You could be right. They are tearing up the street again on 10 N.W. they just repaired it two years ago. They must have a lot of sloppy work going on. I see them tearing up the same roads in the same area time after time. They keep giving away tax dollars on T.I.F and with a declining population they are not bringing in enough to support the city. They need to re-evaluate how they do things and the bunch that is in there is incapable of doing that.
(Continued)
Matt, send a copy of the letter to the attorney general.
Some property owners seem a bit confused about this letter, wondering if the insurance is required, or if it is a city-run insurance program.
Well, of course it’s none of those things. But the confusion will no doubt cause some folks to buy the policy. Like they say, that’s not a bug, but a feature.
And that’s the whole point–the official looking solicitation comes with the weight of city government behind it which is entirely deceptive but will no doubt line the company’s pockets…
My neighbor lady also called me and asked how could she afford this city required insurance. I think it is completely unethical and it really questions what they intend to do with the Royalty. I am willing to be they want to use it for their wet dream with the mall. More borderline criminal practice by our mayor who signed the letter. If I was a private insurance agent I would be pissed that the city is using tax money to freeze me out of my legitimate commission.
I thought the same thing. I don’t think this is right and way out of line to put our city letterhead /logo on this insurance advertisment/solicitation. My elderly neighbor called be about it, thinking it was official and that he had to pay it. I’m sure many others have the same confusion. WRONG ERIC!!!