WEST FARGO, N.D. -- I read with interest the Herald story, "Naming rights come with hefty price tag" (Page A1, Oct. 26). As someone who grew up in Grand Forks and has lived in North Dakota for all but a few years, I don't think selling naming rights reflects "North Dakota values."
Private individuals can do what they want with their money, but a public company or any company that shares the public trust should not waste such money in these economic times. For example, Alerus Bank would not hold any of my money after naming the Alerus Center in Grand Forks; I choose to bank elsewhere. Xcel Energy wasted millions of dollars in the naming of a hockey center in St. Paul. Because I have no choice who provides my gas, I cannot opt out of my business with them, but can only imagine how the money could be better spent.
After I've entered the "Name It" bathroom at the Wellness Center for the first time, you can bet I won't be shopping at the "Name It" store.
Mark Lykken
