LEBANON — Political advertising could be more prevalent here if a proposed ordinance passes City Council.

        Such advertising now is not allowed on Lebanon's city-owned cable system.

        The issue, however, was resurrected by a group campaigning for a $50 million bond issue to handle growth in Lebanon City Schools, city officials said.

        “I think it's a very valuable way to communicate,” Superintendent Bill Sears said.

        “I hate to say this, but more people are spending time in front of the TV.”

        Council members began considering an ordinance Tuesday permitting such ads, but they were far from sold on the notion.

        “I think there could be problems with something like that — advertising things we're not sure we want on our local cable,” Jane Davenport said.

        Others have mentioned the possibility of hate groups seeking to buy time.

        Political advertising could, of course, give council candidates a forum, too; but Mrs. Davenport and most other incumbents have little interest in buying time.

        “The local people already know where we stand,” she said, while conceding TV ads could be a bigger help for political newcomers.

        The ads would run on several cable stations, including CNN and ESPN, for the same rates charged to other advertisers.

        The system has about 2,800 cable customers among the 7,000-plus households within city limits.

        Councilman Mark Flick said he thinks political ads would be more likely to bring trouble than a lot of money.

        “If I had my druthers, I'd rather not make it a political forum, because the other side will want time,” he said.

        Councilman Ron Pandorf, however, supports the proposed ordinance.

        “The downside is, some of this political advertising gets heated and a lot of it is misleading and untruthful,” Mr. Pandorf said.

        “But as far as restricting advertising, I don't think we should.”

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