The recently documented difficulties for Alabama Governor Robert Bentley include an alleged relationship with his political adviser Rebekah Mason (see the article from AJC.com).  One of the questions that has arisen is a reported $245,600 in payments to Rebekah Mason’s husband, Jonathan Mason and his company JRM Enterprises.

An article printed yesterday by Yellowhammer provides an explanation from the University of Alabama for the bulk of those payments.  The statement from the University is as follows:

 “The Office of University Relations at The University of Alabama has done business with Tuscaloosa-based JRM Enterprises for seven years. University Relations makes purchasing decisions on behalf of UA as the primary unit responsible its marketing and advertising needs. JRM has leased billboards for student recruitment purposes at the direction of the University Relations office since January 2010, handling production, installation and rental agreements.

Payments made to JRM for billboard advertising have totaled $274,600 over seven years. There are two additional invoices pending in the amount of $39,150 for billboards in Alabama that were finalized February 25, 2016. The billboards were installed, photographic confirmation has been received, and these invoices are being processed for payment. Some payments made for the cost of billboards have been made by check and some by credit card. This is a common practice based on the vendor’s request.

We have no knowledge of any commission arrangement between JRM and the billboard companies. According to industry standards, a sales agent placing the billboards would typically earn a 15 percent commission from the billboard company.”

Insider’s take:  Interesting to see how news on a potential scandal can move quickly and in a number of different directions in our “on-line all the time” society.  Glad to see the University of Alabama step in and clear up misconceptions quickly.

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