An article appeared in The Islander this week about campaign finances. It doesn’t say much. If you do some math, you’ll find David Gryboski and Chris Tollette are outspending Quam, Stoltzfus, and Woodland, on average, by a greater than 2 – 1 margin.
Finances take on more significance when you look at the actual sources of the contributions. The Islander vaguely alludes to sources, while dividing the candidates into two groups. Regarding Gryboski and Tollette the story states the contributions to them are from “individual and business contributors combined.” However, for Quam, Stoltzfus, and Woodland, the only designation is “contributors.” County records show there are no business contributors funding Quam, Stoltzfus, nor Woodland campaigns, but substantial ones to the former two candidates.
Additional contributor data reveals a curious amount of interest outside Anna Maria in this election. About 40% of Tollette and Gryboski contributions are from individuals listing addresses other than Anna Maria. Less than 8% of contributors for Quam Stoltzfus and Woodland are outside the city.
You can examine the actual financial records at www.votemanatee.com. On the left side, select “Candidate Information,” then select, “Search Financial Records.” You can view the Islander article on line at http://www.islander.org/10-28-09/Am-election-spend-10-28.php.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
5 comments:
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Dad always used to say - follow the money, it tells the story. Isn’t that the truth.
ReplyDeleteQuam, Woodland and Stoltzfus are funded just by residents.Tollette’s a wedding planner and Gryboski’s in commercial real estate development. Tollette and Gryboski are backed by a load of commercial interests.
I’m voting all the way for Quam, Woodland and Stoltzfus. No doubt about it. This town needs them!
If Tollette is a wedding planner, why is she voting on issues that would benefit the wedding industries? She should recuse herself from voting on these matters
ReplyDeleteGood point, Concerned Citizen. In my research on the Post regarding contributions, I noted that Christine Tollette lists her occupation as "Wedding Planner." No if's about it!
ReplyDeleteThe last financial report before the election was due from candidates by last Friday. The Elections Office has them on line now. The ratio, on average per candidate, has increased to $2.8 - $1, Tollette/Grabowski vs. Quam/ Stoltfus/Woodland.
ReplyDeleteCONTRIBUTIONS OF NOTE SINCE LAST REPORT:
Tollette: Pine Avenue Restoration (PAR) $500; LaRoche (PAR principal) $100.
Grabowski: PAR, $500; LaRoche, $500; AMI Accommodations, $450.
Quam, Stoltzfus, Woodland: Still no business contributors.
Follow the money trail
ReplyDelete