Legendary newspaper columnist Mike Royko once suggested that Chicago’s slogan be changed to “Where’s Mine?’’ It’d be an equally apt motto for Miami Beach politicians, whose self-promoting use of freebie tickets sends an arrogant message of entitlement. The tickets belong to the public, who should reap the benefits.

Thanks to its vibrant arts and culture scene, undoubtedly underwritten by the city, thousands of free tickets flow every year through Miami Beach City Hall and into the hands of six commissioners, the mayor, the city manager, an assistant city manager, the city attorney and the chief deputy city attorney. The freebies are negotiated into city contracts with city vendors, including the New World Symphony and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Mayor Matti Herrera Bower told Herald reporter David Smiley she gives most of her tickets to her grandchildren and friends — how lucky for them — and the public.

Complimentary tickets serve a valid public purpose when they are used properly by public officials, to court new business investments, treat needy senior citizens to city events or expose disadvantaged children to the arts. That’s very different than an expectation by staff or politicians that they or their relatives will get freebies.

Miami Beach and other local governments that get free tickets or similar benefits need to set guidelines restricting how they are used, and then monitor compliance. If anyone in public service thinks tickets are just another deserved perk, than they weren’t paying attention to Tuesday’s recall election at the county. Voters are done with “Where’s Mine?’’