OGDEN -- Mayoral candidate Mike Caldwell has raised $45,413 in campaign contributions, far more than seven opponents vying for the city's top elected position.
Candidates were required this week to file campaign financial statements with the city. The top two vote-getters in Tuesday's primary will face each other in the Nov. 8 general election.
In addition to Caldwell, other candidates for mayor are Jonny Ballard, Jason Goddard, Neil Hansen, Brandon Stephenson, John H. Thompson, Susan Van Hooser and Steven Van Wagoner.
Caldwell, director of the Ice Sheet as a Weber County employee, has not used any of his own money toward his campaign, according to financial statements.
His largest donations include $5,000 each from Larry H. Miller Group, the Northern Wasatch Association of Realtors and MarketStar founder Alan Hall.
Caldwell said his campaign is pleased with the funds it has amassed.
"We would like to thank the community for their phenomenal support," he said.
"This campaign is about the future of Ogden. The show of support confirms their desire to further the vision for Ogden as one of the most fantastic places in the United States to live, work and play. We appreciate the broad-base community support."
Caldwell has spent $20,302 for campaign expenses, such as signs, printing services and volunteer supplies.
Stephenson, a city council member, has raised $19,450, of which he has loaned himself $8,025, his financial statement indicates.
Stephenson's biggest donations were $5,000 from the Northern Wasatch Association of Realtors and $2,000 from John Gullo, of Ogden. His campaign expenditures of $16,658 were spent primarily for signs, mailers and other promotional materials.
Stephenson said he is heartened by those who have donated to his campaign.
"I've appreciated very much those contributions," he said. "I think it means they (donors) have confidence in my qualifications and ability to get the job done."
Goddard, who owns Access Communications, has received $13,400 in contributions and obtained $5,000 each from his parents, Ogden residents Kathy and J. Kelly Goddard.
His campaign expenses total $9,325, including $1,000 to Stephens Consulting, based in Salt Lake City.
"It's tough to raise money in a primary, given that I started to campaign late," he said. "I'm pleased to have that family support, and without that, it would have been extremely tough."
Van Hooser's campaign contributions total $10,034, according to her financial statement. Louis Trujillo, of Ogden, gave $1,500, and the Northern Wasatch Association of Realtors contributed $1,000.
"They are very common contributions from friends and supporters, and there are no big businesses involved," the councilwoman said. "I'm proud of that fact."
Van Hooser has spent $6,212 on her mayoral bid.
Ballard has raised $7,865 and has spent $8,472, leaving a deficit of $607. In addition, Ballard has loaned himself $4,426 for his campaign, while his largest contribution is $500 from Thomas Sewalson and R&O Construction of Ogden.
Ballard said he's satisfied with the amount of donations to his campaign and isn't worried about the debt, which he expects to be repaid soon by other contributors.
"I'm thankful for all the support I have received so far and look forward to moving forward," he said.
Hansen's financial statement indicates campaign contributions of $6,395 and expenditures of $6,220. He has loaned himself $4,220, while his biggest campaign contribution from Ray Kimber, of Ogden, totaled $1,000.
"I feel that I have sufficient (funds) for my needs and that I'm doing a pretty good job on my campaign," he said of his finances.
Van Wagoner's campaign contributions total $2,702, while his expenditures are $1,614, his financial statement indicates. He loaned himself $1,000, while his biggest individual donor is Shirley Mack, of Ogden, who contributed $500.
Van Wagoner, a commercial broker, spent campaign funds for signs, printed materials, Facebook advertising and an email campaign.
Van Wagoner said he has purposely rejected campaign contributions from companies and corporations.
"My goal is to raise the bar of ethics in this campaign process and have that follow-through in government," he said. "I've urged those companies, if they have that kind of money to waste in a campaign, to hire more employees."
Thompson, a compliance agent for the Utah Office of Recovery Services, indicates in his financial statement he has not received any campaign contributions and is $2,332 in debt for expenditures for fliers, advertising and other items.
He could not be reached for comment.
Mayoral campaign finance facts
- Mike Caldwell has about $25,211 left in his war chest.
- Susan Van Hooser paid James Humphreys, of Ogden, $947 to coordinate her campaign.
- Brandon Stephenson's smallest donation totals $1.
- Jonny Ballard's major expenditures have been for website design and campaign signs.
- Jason Goddard's biggest donors are his parents.
- Neil Hansen spent $15 on Weber County GRAMA request for an undisclosed campaign tool.
- Steven Van Wagoner says he has turned down $12,700 in corporate campaign contributions.
- John H. Thompson used some of his campaign funds for spray paint.
Comments