Governor Brown Launches Ads Opposing Prop. 53

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Gov. Jerry Brown launched a television and phone campaign Thursday urging California voters to reject a ballot measure that threatens two of his so-called legacy projects.

The ads feature Brown speaking from the governor's mansion against Proposition 53, which would force a statewide vote on big building projects requiring $2 billion or more in revenue bonds.

An earlier, nonpartisan state analysis said Brown's proposals to build two giant water tunnels for $15.7 billion and a high-speed rail system for $64 billion are the two projects that would be most likely affected.

"It may sound OK, but it's bad for California," Brown says, amid a backdrop of the mansion's chandeliers and marble.

Brown argues in the 30-second spot that the initiative would reduce local control of big projects and increase costs of projects overall by requiring a vote first. The measure's supporters deny it would require state votes on local projects and say voters need to weigh in on projects that would substantially increase state bond debt.

Brown put more than $4 million of his own campaign funds into defeating the measure.

Steven Maviglio, spokesman for the campaign fighting the proposition, said the TV ads with Brown will run statewide until Election Day.

No major public polls have been released on the measure, brought to the ballot by a petition initiative funded by Dean "Dino" Cortopassi, a prosperous Stockton farmer and food processor.

So far, Cortopassi and his family have reported spending about $5 million for the measure. Brown, the state Democratic Party, construction interests and other donors have reported giving more than $15 million total to defeat it.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.