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Measure F Opponents Engaged in Sleazy Push Poll

May 15, 2010

Over the past 24 hours, residents of Brentwood have been subjected to an anonymous “push poll” designed to deceive voters into opposing Measure F.  “Push polls” are calls which claim to be polling efforts but which, in reality, are attempts to confuse voters with misinformation.  The goal of the “push poll” is to frighten and mislead people into voting against Measure F.  These calls are being made by opponents of Measure F and are not from the Yes on F campaign.

“Are you more or less likely to support Measure F given its plan to build Section 8 housing and bring people from Richmond to Brentwood” is one of the questions asked.  The intent of this question couldn’t be more obvious.  Of course, none of this is true.  

“Are you more or less likely to support Measure F since Members of the City Council stand to make financial gain if it passes” is another totally false element of the call.  No member of the City Council stands to profit from Measure F other than the fact that the entire City will do better financially if F is approved.  Brentwood’s staff analysis of Measure F has shown an $800,000 annual surplus to the City if homes are constructed.  This is in addition to major economic boost with local jobs and investment that F includes.

“In my many years of involvement in Brentwood, I have never seen anything so disgusting and dishonest” said Councilman Chris Becnel.  “I was called 13 times in one evening” Becnel continued.

Planning Commissioner Joe Weber was equally clear.  “I sat and listened as my blood boiled.  One lie after another.  Whoever is behind these calls must think we’re pretty stupid here in Brentwood” said Weber.

Planning Commissioner David Bristow also got a call.  “When asked if I would participate, I asked them what it was about and who was behind it.  They refused to answer.  I kept asking who was funding their call and they finally hung up on me” said Bristow.  “Then they called my wife Terry.  She answered their questions and took notes about the wild and baseless accusations they made about Measure F” continued Bristow.

The “push poll” is the latest is a series of attacks against Measure F.  So far, the campaign has had more than 500 signs stolen. A police report has been filed.  In addition, the larger signs have been vandalized and defaced.  This is above and beyond the half-truths and scare tactics that opponents of Measure F have used throughout the campaign.

A “push poll” of this sort can cost tens of thousands of dollars for a city of Brentwood’s size.  Therefore, it appears that some big money has decided to attack Measure F.  The source of the money is unknown as they have not reported their activity to the public. 

Finally, leading opponents of Measure F have repeatedly said that they would only spend “one or two thousand dollars” in their campaign.  While no one knows who specifically is behind these calls, it’s clear that opposition to Measure F has found a well-healed benefactor.