Ethics panel declines complaint on ad

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Ethics Commission will not pursue a complaint that accuses a statewide television advertisement in support of Proposition B of being deceptive.

The complaint filed by No on B, a group opposed to measure, requested the Time for Missouri Committee, which paid for the ad, place a disclaimer on the commercial.

The Aug. 6 ballot measure would increase state sales and fuel taxes, raising an estimated $483 million for transportation projects.

The ad promises voters they can "help secure funding for the Missouri Highway Patrol" by backing Proposition B.

Opponents wanted a disclaimer to note neither patrol personnel nor equipment was used in the commercial and the patrol will not be mentioned on the ballot.

Supporters have said the commercial is technically correct and the complaint was merely a publicity stunt.

Mike Reid, the director of compliance for the Ethics Commission, said in a letter released last week the agency does not handle such complaints.

The letter, sent to No on B treasurer Glenn Koenen, suggested that Koenen contact the Federal Communications Commission.