Public relations firm Ogilvy quits high speed rail
The Sacramento Bee
June 30, 2011
Posted by David Siders
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Its job performance coming under increasing scrutiny, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide is quitting its multimillion dollar contract with the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
"We were unable to develop a solid working relationship with your agency, and that impeded the kind of top-notch work we are accustomed to providing our clients," the public relations company's Michael Law said in a letter Wednesday to rail officials.
The rail authority is struggling to maintain political support as it prepares to start building a rail system between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It has faced questions about cost and ridership projections, among other concerns.
Former state Sen. Quentin Kopp, a former rail authority board member, encouraged rail officials in March to cancel Ogilvy's contract. He said the company's failure was evident in worsening public statements about the project.
The rail board was expected to consider its outreach efforts at a meeting this month. Rail Authority spokesman Jeff Barker said Thursday that rail officials plan replace Ogilvy.
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