CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS PROPOSITION 128 : Opponents Label Measure ‘Hayden Initiative’ in Ads

SACRAMENTO —  Opponents of Proposition 128, a sweeping environmental initiative, have begun running two radio ads throughout the state attacking the measure for being too costly and attempting to do too many things to save the environment.

Both ads also key on the fact that Assemblyman Tom Hayden (D-Santa Monica) is a co-sponsor of the measure and repeatedly call it “the Hayden Initiative.”

“The thrust is, here’s an initiative that tries to do too much,” said Don Schrack, a spokesman for an industry-backed group opposing the measure. “It would cost too much and very probably would create more problems than it would solve.”

Proposition 128, called “Big Green” by proponents, seeks to solve a variety of environmental problems. Among other things, it would ban cancer-causing chemicals in food, save old-growth redwood trees, tax oil companies to pay for potential offshore oil spills and require a reduction in gases that contribute to global warming and depletion of the ozone layer.

Bob Mulholland, campaign manager for the Yes on 128 committee, said the initiative is a comprehensive approach to solving interrelated environmental problems that are steadily getting worse. He charged that industry groups affected by the proposition, including the chemical industry, are trying to defeat the measure to prevent a ban on cancer-causing pesticides in food.

“California should do everything possible to protect ourselves and our children from those chemicals that cause cancer and birth defects,” Mulholland said. “Big Green will do that and the chemical companies don’t like it.”

The radio attack on Hayden apparently is designed to shift the focus of the campaign onto the controversial one-time radical who is detested by many conservatives. Hayden is one of seven sponsors of the measure, along with Atty. Gen. John K. Van de Kamp, representatives of the Sierra Club and other environmental groups.

The four-term assemblyman said he is happy to have his name linked with the measure and predicted that his involvement will not deter voters from approving it in November. Hayden and his allies noted that he has had a high-profile role in previous successful campaigns, most notably in helping to win passage of Proposition 65, an anti-toxics measure overwhelmingly approved by voters in 1986.

The radio ads mark the first assault by opponents in what could be a tough campaign to persuade voters that the “Big Green” goes too far in protecting the environment. Outlining the theme of the opposition, Schrack said of Proposition 128: “While it may have been well-intentioned, it just gets to be a little too much.”