New Ad Questions Berg's Business Perspective

by Vanessa Peng, KVRR Reporter
September 12, 2012


A new political ad calls Congressman Rick Berg's "business perspective" faulty.
 
The advertisement approved by opponent Heidi Heitkamp says Berg's ties to Goldmark Property Management reflect unsound business practices.
 
 
 
The radio advertisement says, "Rick is a multi–millionaire landlord.  His company, Goldmark Property Management," has been sued with over 100 complaints of withholding security deposits."
 
The newest radio advertisement coming from Heidi Heitkamp's office, attacking one area her opponent for a senate seat, Rick Berg, is known for: his business experience.
 
Senior Advisor Gail Hand says, "Rick's side brought up his business perspective and how he brings that view to Washington and as such it seems to be fair game.  All these things that are said in the ad are a matter of public record and indeed, Goldmark does have a C– rating."
 
The radio advertisement says, “Goldmark was cited for repeatedly ignoring fire safety codes after several fires in his properties.”
 
Hand says the congressman cannot hide from his ties to Goldmark.
 
Hand says, "I think that the record will reflect that he's still very much someone who bears responsibility for the way his business, Goldmark, has been run."
 
But, leaders at Goldmark Property Management say the advertisement has it all wrong.
 
Goldmark Property Management CFO, Kurt Bollman says, "Rick Berg has had no ownership in, or employment in Goldmark Property Management ."
 
Bollman says Berg is involved with another separate company called Goldmark Schlossman Commercial Real Estate.
 
"For Goldmark Property Management, it's frustrating.  We're having to be put in the public eye for things normally we would not have to defend."
 
It's that public eye both Berg and Heitkamp hope will support them come election day.

 
The ad started running this week.

No word yet on how long it will run.