AT A GLANCE
- A formal complaint alleges San Antonio city officials are illegally participating in a Prop B campaign rally.
- The “Marvel Project Town Hall & Rally” is scheduled for Oct. 21 at St. Paul Square.
- The complaint cites potential violations of Texas Election Code Sections 255.003 and 255.0031.
- Critics say city staff are using public resources to promote the Spurs’ proposed arena deal.
Vote Against Prop B Campaign Accuses San Antonio Officials of Using City Positions to Promote Spurs Arena Deal
The Vote Against Prop B campaign has filed a complaint with the San Antonio City Attorney and the Texas Ethics Commission, alleging that city representatives are illegally taking part in a campaign rally promoting Proposition B, the controversial proposal to fund a new $1.3 billion Spurs arena.
The complaint names city officials who are scheduled to appear at the “Marvel Project Town Hall & Rally” on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at St. Paul Square. Promotional materials for the event describe it as a space to “inform and engage residents around Proposition A and Proposition B,” featuring current and former city leaders alongside Spurs leadership.
No representatives from the opposition campaign were invited to participate.
“The law is clear,” said Vote Against Prop B spokesperson Mike Phillips. “City officials should not be using their titles or taxpayer time to campaign for a billionaire-funded arena or any political campaign. The city attorney must investigate and hold those doing so accountable.”
Complaint Alleges Coordination Between City Hall and Spurs
According to the complaint, the participation of city representatives “raises serious legal and ethical concerns” and “shows how the entire deal has been coordinated behind closed doors between City Hall and the Spurs.” It further requests disclosure of all communications between city staff, the Prop B campaign, and Spurs leadership.
Texas Election Code Sections 255.003 and 255.0031 prohibit public officials from using government resources or their official authority to influence an election, rules that the complaint argues are being ignored.
Critics Slam Lack of Transparency
“This entire process has lacked transparency from the beginning,” said Annalisa Peace of the No Project Marvel coalition. “There has been no independent economic study, no accountability, and now city officials are taking sides during early voting.”
Opponents say the city’s actions amount to election interference, especially as early voting is underway. They argue the “Marvel Project” branding, used in both Spurs marketing materials and city messaging, illustrates how blurred the line between public service and private interests has become.
Growing Opposition to Taxpayer Funding
Vote Against Prop B continues to campaign against what it calls a taxpayer-funded giveaway, warning that “billionaires get richer, and residents pay the tax.” The group maintains that voters deserve transparency and fairness not political rallies promoted by the same city officials tasked with impartial governance.
