Indiana

A Chicken In Every Pothole

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Could the answer to Indianapolis’ infrastructure problems lie in a two-piece value meal from KFC?  

Maybe.

The Chicago Tribune  this Spring reported that KFC has offered the city mayors across the country the chance to fill their potholes for free.  In exchange for filling the potholes, the company leaves behind stenciled brand on the patch which reads “Re-Freshed by KFC.”

KFC is testing the program in Louisville, KY, it’s hometown and it hasn’t been completely ruled out here in Indianapolis.

Mike Huber, the Director of Enterprise Development, says the proposal is interesting but the city would definitely need to study the plan.  

Personally, I think it’s a good idea.  Indianapolis is strapped for cash and we all know how bad the potholes can get in this town.  So if a private company is offering to fill the potholes and, pardon the pun, if it’s done tastefully,  I say go for it.  And why stopt there.  If Pepsi wants to sponsor a park, let them.  If Motorola wants to sponsor my police radios, let them.  And heck, if personal injury attorneys want to advertise inside city-run ambulances, who am I to argue?  (Full disclosure, I’ve always wanted to do that one if I ever practiced personal injury law.)

Now granted you run the risk of having your city looking like a giant NASCAR driver uniform, but you also reduce the tax burden by finding outside sources of funding.

Now while you ponder all that, I’m off to KFC.    I’ll take a two-piece extra crispy with a diet coke and a pothole filled at 10th and Delaware.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on May 19, 2009 (boomark / email).