KSAZ‘s John Hook is being accused of using his public platform to influence the debate over a controversial local proposition dealing with pension reform.
Wednesday, the investigate reporter for the Phoenix FOX owned station wrote on his station facebook page, “It’s disappointing. Phoenix voters have been lied to about Proposition 487. This does not affect firefighters or police or their death benefits in any way! Only civilian workers. Any other interpretation is an effort to scare and confuse you into a no vote.”
He also did a report on the proposition. You can see that above. Proposition 487, which is on the November 4 ballot, would reform the city’s retirement system and prevent pension spiking. The main argument about the measure is whether the Prop. 487 would affect the pensions of the city’s firefighters and police officers.
Last night, after TVSpy asked FOX about Hook using his station facebook page to take a stand on the proposition, Hook posted, “My earlier post on Proposition 487 was my opinion and does not reflect the opinion of FOX 10. As a journalist, I have an obligation to hold public policy makers accountable, which is what FOX 10 did in this story presenting both sides of this complicated issue:”
Viewers were not happy with Hook’s clarification or his stance.
One commenter wrote, “John, this follow up post shows that you are a coward. This is why you put make-up on, and sit behind a camera. Your original post was presented as fact and not opinion. Your countless replies to citizens continued to state your opinion as fact. You are a part of the problem. Until you strap on a gun and a bullet proof vest, or rush into a burning building or cut someone out of a vehicle to save their life, I suggest you keep reading the teleprompter.”