Gary D. Finch

     Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C –Springport) is calling on the Department of Motor Vehicles to stop their practice of incorporating business advertisements in the mailings for registration renewals.  Mr. Finch and several of his Assembly colleagues state that the practice can be construed as the DMV endorsing such companies.
 

     “When something official comes from a state agency, people take it seriously,” said Finch.  “If a resident receives a renewal notice from the Department of Motor Vehicles that contains advertisements for services, it can be construed as the Department, and ultimately the state, is officially endorsing a particular advertiser.  In addition, as consumers we receive enough junk mail and there is no need to have state agencies contributing to the practice. 
 

     Finch further noted that many small New York businesses are unable to fairly compete in the bidding process for advertising in such practices.  “When the bid goes out for such an advertising campaign, a local business may not be able to compete financially with larger companies.  Small businesses are the backbone of the upstate economy and I feel we should be making advances to promote their growth instead of hindering it.” 
 

     The Department began the practice to decrease production and mailing costs.  However, Assemblyman Finch pointed out that the negative aspects of the measure far exceed the minimal costs savings to the DMV.  “The cost savings are negligible and New York should not be in the business of providing a venue for advertising for profit.”

06-11-07