New revenue? County committee objects to video link

Videos spotlighting Whitman County may constitute an endorsement of the CGI Showcasing production company of Rochester, New York.

So feels the county’s web committee, chair Michael Baker told commissioners last week.

“Our concern is that this could be taken as an endorsement,” said Baker, who also noted the web committee was not consulted when commissioners decided to proceed with the project.

CGI will produce a series of promotional videos about the county. A link on the county’s website will direct users to the videos on CGI’s website.

Partch said those videos will be made at no cost to the county. CGI has been soliciting support from area businesses to pay production costs.

Partch said the firm was recommended by the National Association of County Officials.

Commissioner Pat O’Neill noted Whitman County was one of five counties in Washington chosen by the firm earlier this year.

“I’m not an entire fan of this, so I’ve kind of held back,” said Commissioner Michael Largent. “However, the appearance of a link in no way constitutes an endorsement, in my opinion.”

“It’s not what it is, it’s how it was done,” said Baker.

Partch added space on the county’s web site could be sold for advertising in the future. Assessor Joe Reynolds, he said, approached them about that after noticing other counties in the state have done so. Advertisements on the county web site could provide an additional source of revenue, he added.

“As we fight for money, we’re looking in every corner,” said Partch. “And this is one of them.”