Ads pulled after mayors request it

Radio advertisements featuring Naperville Mayor George Pradel and Elgin Mayor Ed Schock have been pulled off the air after they requested them to be removed.

Both mayors were approached by WBBM radio to do a public service announcement about changes to the Medicare Part D plan, but the resulting spots also included a mention that people could get more information about the changes at a specific pharmacy chain Walgreens.

The company's “Young at Heart Spotlight Series” commercials were set to air from Nov. 15 through Nov. 30, said Robert Elfinger, a Walgreens spokesman.

But the ads were taken off the airwaves Nov. 24, according to Jonathan Hopmayer, a WBBM account representative.

“I was asked to do that and I without a doubt obliged,” Hopmayer said. He would not comment further.

Pradel said last week he wanted the spots taken off the air because he didn't want to endorse one pharmacy over another.

Schock said he largely received positive feedback from residents who heard the commercials, but decided to also request the ads to be pulled after talking with Pradel.

“Who the heck needs the controversy?” Schock said.