Top Chef producers sue state to keep marketing payment secret

The Dallas Observer dissected the spin: While state money may not have been spent bringing Top Chef to Texas, the governor's office did agree to pay an estimated $400,000 'for the integration of [the state's] brand in Bravo's production of Top Chef cycle 9.'

Top Chef website

Top Chef Texas: Season
premier Wed Nov. 2

And here we are – an AG ruling and lawsuit later. All over some food, some greed and a pay-to-play agreement that may or may not bring some hungry people to the state . . .

"Magical Elves and Bravo have been successful at soliciting brand integration and trade-out agreements with over 100 brands ..." the company explained, adding that it applies the same tactics to "the location of episodes, including agreements with hotels and government tourism boards."

– Other news –

Arlington school district considers joining lawsuit against the state | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | By Robert Cadwallader | ARLINGTON (Oct. 6. 2011) – Frustrated at the lack of state funding for schools and how it's distributed, Arlington school trustees Thursday night appeared ready to join like-minded districts that are planning to sue the state.

Houston Tea Party opposes Texas Constitution Prop 2 amendment on state water bonds (Oct. 6, 2011) – All manner of debt at all levels of government should receive closer scrutiny, and no “autopilot” debt models should be approved.

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Texas Watchdog | By Steve Miller (Oct. 6, 2011) – When the state shoved $400,000 at a television show aimed at foodies, it never thought the taxpayer-funded gift would land it in court.

But Magical Elves, the producers of Bravo’s Top Chef, have filed a lawsuit against the Texas Attorney General aimed at stifling state officials who are otherwise required by law to tell us what that four hundred large is going toward. The AG’s office ruled last month that the state must release the information.