Ad controversy over voter proposition

(9/14/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- The mayor of Houston is upset about a controversial radio ad. He says it misleads listeners. It concerns a complicated proposition some city leaders want you to vote for in November.

There are a slew of propositions on the November ballot. But only one -- Proposition G -- is drawing attention from both sides. Mayor Bill White says one of the radio spots opposing the proposition is misleading, while the people behind the ad say that's not fair.

The controversial radio ad focuses on a number of Houston issues, including electricity and gasoline prices.

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"Is your electric bill too high? If they are vote, against Proposition G. ... Are you paying for too much gas at the pump? If you are, vote against Proposition G." Mayor White -- who supports the proposition -- says the ads are misleading.

"It is intending to mislead people into thinking that Proposition G has something to do with electricity bills and or gasoline prices, and that's just not true," Mayor White said.

The mayor says Proposition G would help ensure city's airports and water and sewer systems are properly funded by removing the city's enterprise funds from a revenue cap passed in 2004. And he says it has nothing to do with gas prices. The man behind the ads explains his rationale.

"Every expense you pay has something to do with Proposition G," said Former City Council Member Carroll Robinson. "The more you pay in gas, the more you pay in electricity, the more you pay for water and sewer, the less money you have for your kids."

Robinson says the ads will continue to run until election day. The mayor is promising his own slew of ads very soon.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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