Ever wonder how much municipal election candidates spend during their campaigns?
All candidates are required to file their campaign financial report by the end of March, including a list of contributors who donated $100 or more.
Mayor
Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor Rob Keffer had a total of $15,013.59 in expenses, including 700.09 for a campaign kickoff and $1,498 for an election day party.
On the flip side, his only competitor in the mayoral race, Pat Roberge, who dropped out of the race before election day, filed paperwork that stated he did not have any expenses or accept any contributions to his campaign.
Keffer’s biggest expense was $4,210.94 for signs, followed by $3,955 for fees incurred until voting day (salaries, benefits, honoraria, and professional fees), and $1,706.30 for brochures/flyers.
In terms of contributions, Keffer received $17,178.83 — but $11,000 came directly from him and his wife.
Keffer got $4,900 in individual contributions of $100 or more. The limit for an individual donation is $1,200, and he received two of the maximum donations from Janice Wilkinson and Dale Beasse.
Deputy Mayor
Deputy Mayor James Leduc ran a pricier campaign than his competitor, with $17,732.23 in total expenses, including $585.85 for a kick-off party and $200 for an election results party.
His biggest expense was $6,314.17 for brochures/flyers, followed by $3,783.01 for advertising, and $2,000 for fees (salaries, benefits, honoraria, and professional fees).
Leduc received $17,732.23 in total contributions — and $5,782.23 of that came directly from him.
He also got $10,150 worth of individual contributions of $100 or more, with two maximum donations of $1,200 each from Dale Beasse and Randy Parker.
Deputy Mayor candidate Iftikhar Ahmad claimed $9,984.31 in total campaign expenses, with fees (salaries, benefits, honoraria, and professional fees) being his biggest expense, at $5,598, followed by advertising, at $2,399.05.
Ahmad received $9,984.31 in total contributions to his campaign, with one worth more than $100 — $970.70 from Keith James Jhonson.
Ward councillors
Ward 4 Coun. Ron Orr had the highest expenses total at $8,170.58.
He also got $9,775 in total contributions (and $4,775 in individual donations worth more than $100). Jason Pantalone and Antonietta Trentadue each gave the maximum $1,200 individual donation.
Ward 3 Coun. Gary Lamb had the lowest expenses total at $1,534.80.
He also received $1,611 in total contributions (and $500 from one individual donation worth more than $100).
Ward 1 Coun. Raj Sandhu reported $3,873.83 in total expenses, with $3,932.91 in total contributions (and $300.72 from one individual donation worth more than $100).
Ward 2 Coun. Gary Baynes reported $5,369.31 in total expenses, with $5,369.31 in total contributions (no individual donations more than $100).
Ward 5 Coun. Peter Ferragine reported the exact same amount for total expenses and contributions — $3,425.75. He also received $150 from one individual donation worth more than $100.
Ward 6 Coun. Mark Contois reported $4,438.25 in total expenses, with $4,719.50 in total contributions (and $613 in individual donations worth more than $100).
Ward 7. Coun. Peter Dykie Jr. also reported the exact same amount for total expenses and contributions — $6,756.02. He also received $3,508 in individual donations worth more than $100. Frank Mauro and Gofreddo Vitullo also each donated the $1,200 maximum to his campaign.
To see the full financial statements from all BWG candidates, click here.
School board trustees are also listed, except for French school board trustee candidates, which all filed their financial statements with the City of Barrie.
