Video: Baltimore may sell ads on fire trucks

>>> back now with a sign of the times . local governments across the country getting creative to raise much needed revenue. some of them have started selling advertisements in unusual public places and as you might imagine it is not without controversy.

>> reporter: like many cities baltimore has long sold ad space on trains and buses. now politicians here are seeing red . how unusual is it?

>> it is unusual.

>> reporter: councilman pete welsh is behind a proposal to sell ads on fire trucks to stop the cash strapped city from closing three stations for good.

>> having advertisement puts control in the hands of the fire department itself.

>> please don't shut down these companies.

>> reporter: the city council just voted to support the measure.

>> when i first heard about the bill i thought it was idiotic. why look like nascar? after the shock wore off this shows how far we have to go to think outside the box .

>> reporter: apparently baltimore isn't the only town thinking outside that box. city leaders throughout the country are getting creative to make ends meet. chicago has sold ad space on some iconic bridges to bank of america . philadelphia has rented out a transit station to at and t. and the small town of brazil, indiana let kfc advertise its fiery chicken wing on fire hydrants . critics say it is not only a bad idea but commercial graffiti.

>> we live in a society where we face a constant on slot of advertising. we think there should be some spaces preserved to reflect public values.

>> reporter: even in baltimore many are skeptical that the fire truck ads would raise enough money to keep the fire stations open. what would you say to people who think it is tacky?

>> if it keeps your fire station open you should consider it.

>> reporter: the councilman said he would rather not close any doors.

Source: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/48034682/

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