Latest "Truth Watch" video lampoons the idea of a downtown hotel as city savior

For Immediate Release:  13 February 2011              Mayor Mark Funkhouser Releases "Truth Watch" Video “I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them”  ~Adlai Stevenson In a new video, the Mayor Mark Funkhouser re-election campaign takes a lighthearted look at one of the more serious topics being debated in Kansas City. Entitled I Know What You Need, the video spoofs a plan pushed by the regional Chamber of Commerce, and endorsed by most of Funk's opponents, to use public money to build a $400 million convention hotel Downtown. Using an infomercial format, the video notes that Kansas City “insiders” guarantee that public safety will be assured by the addition of  a new Downtown hotel. “Imagine the feeling of safety you'll get with your new hotel!” the infomercial host boasts. “The insiders are going to solve all of your safety concerns!” the host says. “How are they going to do that, you ask?” Check out the video for the answer. “Sometimes we just need to smile and have a good time,” Mayor Funkhouser said. “The idea for that stupid Downtown hotel is one of those times. I mean, with all the basic city services our residents need, how can they even think about spending tax dollars of any kind on a hotel.” So far – over Mayor Funkhouser's objections – the City Council has spent more than $600,000 to study a proposal for a new Downtown hotel. The Mayor has been the lone Council voice against the hotel, which has been trumpeted by opponents. Councilwoman Deb Hermann has twice voted to spend tax dollars for the hotel. “Don't get me wrong. I'm not against a Downtown hotel. I'm against spending the taxpayer dollars we've been entrusted to protect on yet another glitzy project that can't pay its own way,” Mayor Funkhouser said. “Don't you think if there actually was a market for a new hotel, private developers would already have built it??” The Mayor says, when re-elected, he will continue to provide Kansas Citians with a “city government they can count on.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQmCPxGu4Do For More Information Contact: Gloria Squitiro , Campaign Manager 816.820.9751 gloria@mayorfunkhouser.com