COLUMBUS — Gov. Bob Taft's communications director wants the state to reconsider its contract with an Akron-area company whose travel and tourism ad cost the state as much as $705,000.

        The state's two-year, $5.2 million contract with ST&P Communications Inc. of Fairlawn expires June 30, 2003.

        “I'm certain we'll be taking another look at it,” Mary Anne Sharkey, Mr. Taft's communications director, said Tuesday. “I think there are concerns in the governor's office about how much money will be spent on this ad. We certainly want to look at other agencies.”

        ST&P has had the ad contract with the Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism since 1993.

        Rick Kenney, the company's chief operating officer, said Ms. Sharkey is misinformed.

        “I believe that Ms. Sharkey is really speaking out of not knowing. She's out of the loop,” he said.

        Mr. Kenney said the marketing campaign has helped Ohio extend its travel and tourism budget, including a program that gives private businesses a 10 percent rebate on advertising if they use the state's new travel slogan.

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