Undercover Boss is a series in the U.S. that showcases company executives disguising themselves as out of work average joes working different entry level jobs in their own company. It was originally a British series and now has expanded to Australia (source). It is not only a ratings success but also a PR success for any company lucky enough to be featured on it.
Well it seems that Cincinnati’s own Mayor Mark Mallory was asked to participate as the first mayor in the country featured on the show. Cincinnati needs some good PR so I think it was a great idea. Well it seems some city council members do not. Leslie Ghiz complained “…he’s not the boss..The manager’s the boss. He’s nobody’s boss.” (source). While it it true that our city is run by a city manager, the mayor is still seen as playing a prominent role in how people view the city and therefore it is not inappropriate for him to take on this task.
And Chris Bortz said “he might put forth a motion to sue the production company to make sure the show doesn’t air, saying Mallory was simply “advancing a personal agenda.” Seems they only wanted him involved more in the budget process so they have one more person to point the finger when things go wrong.
Oh and Mayor Mallory is fairly recognized in the city (see bio) so rumors were that they gave him different facial hair and dreadlocks, thus the picture.
Anyone watch UB? Do you think it would be good or bad for your city if your mayor appeared on the show?