Tennessee Alderman, Distributor Stops Selling to Government After Criticism

Rocky Janda, a promotional products distributor and town alderman, received criticism from local activists after selling products to town organizations. (Image via The Commercial Appeal)

Yesterday, we reported that Rocky Janda, a distributor who also works as an alderman in the town of Germantown, Tenn., received some heat from citizens after he sold promotional products to numerous town organizations. Now, The Commercial Appeal reported that Janda decided to stop selling sports apparel and other promotional products to the town government following a recommendation from the city attorney.

"I talked to the city attorney on Friday, and he thought it was best that I would discontinue doing it," Janda told The Commercial Appeal. "I said, 'Yeah, I understand.' It just makes sense. I don't want to go through this crap again."

Janda stood firm in his assertion that he didn't benefit from the deal as much as the city did, due to his low prices and the fact that he didn't get any personal gain from them, as he donated his profits.

Some Germantown citizens saw Janda's sales as a conflict of interest, given his position in the local government, and that they believe the only reason he has stopped now is due to public outcry.

"It's because it was exposed is why he's decided not to pursue it anymore," said Sarah Wilkerson Freeman, a local activist. "It would be great if he would recognize why he shouldn't have and the damage done in terms of the public trust."

But, Janda previously said that the sales he made to city organizations was a small fraction of his overall business, and that stopping wouldn't affect his business negatively. And now, he's put his money where his mouth is.