Phoenix rejects $10M offer from infidelity Web site

Phoenix leaders may be desperate for cash to solve their budget crunch. But they weren't seduced by a multi-million-dollar offer from a Web site encouraging husbands and wives to cheat on their spouses.

Infidelity Web site AshleyMadison.com said it would give the cash-strapped city $10 million if it renamed Sky Harbor International Airport the Ashley Madison International Airport over a five-year period.

Deputy City Manager David Krietor told the Toronto-based company in an e-mail thanks but no thanks, saying "For a variety of reasons we will need to decline your generous offer."

"We have not solicited any sponsorships to rename America's Friendliest Airport," added airport spokeswoman Deborah Ostreicher. "The community is very happy with the current name and it is not something that is on the table."

A publicist for the Ashley Madison Agency, whose motto is 'Life is Short, Have an Affair," said she understands why the city turned down the offer but added that a naming-rights deal could prevent employee layoffs.

When told that the deal sounded like a publicity stunt, Elissa Buchter said Phoenix "should call our bluff."

"Ten million dollars is $10 million," she said, "and for them to dismiss it is a little irresponsible considering the state that the city is in."

The Ashley Madison offer is a play right out of the Morton family's publicity playbook.

In 2006, the Mortons, owner of the Pink Taco restaurant chain, offered the Arizona Cardinals $30 million over 10 years to rename their new home in Glendale Pink Taco Stadium.

The dome was eventually named University of Phoenix Stadium and the Pink Taco in Scottsdale went out of business.