Perry political ad stirs controversy

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Gov. Rick Perry's latest campaign ad called "Open for Business" is generating unrest with some local business owners on South Congress Avenue.

The ad starts with an opening shot of workers at Farm to Market Grocery and Avenue Barber Shop turning on and flipping over an "open" sign. Both businesses claim they did not give permission for their stores to run in Perry's ad.

KXAN News spoke with an employee of that barber shop.

“We did not realize it was going to be a political ad. The barber that’s in the commercial was approached and they asked him if he would mind getting footage of him flipping over the open sign and he said no problem,” said Max Berendt. “I spoke with him on the phone earlier (the worker) and he said he had no idea it was for the Rick Perry campaign.”

Rick Perry's campaign office responded with this e-mailed statement:

The ad was filmed on a public sidewalk. Governor Perry believes small businesses are the backbone of our strong economy in Texas. And whether some of them support the Governor, his opponent or anyone else, he will continue working on their  behalf to create a business climate that allows them to thrive and be successful. "

“I think a barber shop is always a place where people can have their own political thoughts and ideas,” said Berendt.

The Farm to Market Grocery store owner Peg McCoy said she did not give permission for her store to be shown and wants the ad pulled. McCoy said she does not endorse Gov. Rick Perry or Democratic candidate Bill White.

“I mean, if they were just panning down the street, maybe it’s OK. If they singled out two businesses for a reason then it’s not OK,” said Austinite Sara Guidetti. “But if the business wants the ad pulled because of their presence in it then I think they have the right to, because it’s a political message.”