“Tompkins County: It’s not local government – it’s a franchise.”
Just like a business franchise – In Government Format Franchising; the franchisor provides to the franchisee not just its political rhetoric, policies and services, but an entire system for operating government. The franchisee generally receives customized surveys and planning development support, operating manuals, training, conforming standards, media control, a marketing strategy and expert advisory support from the franchisor.
It’s not about thinking — it’s about “branding”: brand visibility, brand loyalty, brand conformity — an ever-changing menu of reimagined sameness; from the same source.