Newspaper bids rejected

DOWNEY - Three newspapers interested in publishing legal notices on behalf of the city of Downey each had their bids rejected Tuesday as the city decided to take more time to investigate its options.The Downey Patriot, Herald-American and Long Beach Press-Telegram each submitted bids to publish legal notices and public announcements that cities are legally obligated to run. City attorney Ed Lee recommended Downey contract with the Herald-American based on its lower bid. Councilman Mario Guerra, however, took issue with the Herald-American's weekly circulation of 3,500. When taking into account the Patriot's circulation of 25,000, this newspaper was more cost effective, Guerra said. Councilman David Gafin questioned whether publishing legal notices in a weekly newspaper, as opposed to a daily, would impact city projects. City Manager Gerald Caton said a weekly newspaper would be sufficient "90-95% of the time," but more details will be provided to the Council at a later date. The city currently uses the Press-Telegram for its legal notices, but the newspaper did not show proof that it was legally adjudicated in Downey, Lee said.

********** Published: July 15, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 13