ENCINITAS — The city of Encinitas has released campaign statements for the 2020 Mayoral and City Council District 1 & 2 elections, illustrating a stark difference in candidates’ cash contributions.
Summarizing the financial transactions of each campaign between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020, the documents are available on the city’s Public Records Archive for viewing.
Each Campaign Disclosure Statement lists contributions received, expenditures made, current cash statements and outstanding debts, as well as a list of donors.
In summary, current Mayor Catherine Blakespear received $20,711 more in total contributions than her challenger Julie Thunder. Additionally, Deputy Mayor and City Council Representative for District 2 Kellie Hinze received $29,492.87 more than her challenger, Susan Turney, while City Council Member for District 1, Tony Kranz, did not raise any funds while his challenger Alex Riley received $3,000.
The Coast News reached out to each candidate, requesting comment on fundraising efforts and their outlook on the 2020 election season.
Catherine Blakespear, Mayor (Incumbent)
Total Contributions Received: $41,435.00
Total Expenditures Made: $11,541.40
Campaign Loans: $0
“I’m very grateful to the more than 350 people who have contributed to my campaign so far! Outraising my opponent 2-to-1 shows the solid community support behind my re-election as mayor. Encinitas is a well-run city where residents enjoy a high quality of life, and this level of early support indicates that they want to see our progress continue.”
Julie Thunder, Mayor (Challenger)
Total Contributions Received: $20,724.00
Total Expenditures Made: $2,379.35
Campaign Loans: $5,000.00
“I’m not a professional politician. And, as an Independent without a party to support me, I was concerned about being able to raise enough money to run an effective campaign. But the exact opposite has happened. The vast majority of my donations were unsolicited – people are so frustrated with our current leadership that they are finding me in every way possible. I haven’t even had a fundraiser yet and was able to meet my June goal. I think my message to ‘Let’s keep Encinitas a beach town, not a big town’ is resonating with people like me, who moved here because we loved it the way it was when we came.”
Tony Kranz, District 1 (Incumbent)
Total Contributions Received: $0
Total Expenditures Made: $0
Campaign Loans: $0
“It’s clear that there is a lot of interest in the local election this November, as I would expect in the midst of a pandemic. I’ve tried to be sensitive to the challenging times we’re in and keep politics to a minimum for now, but I will start holding virtual meetings and do some fundraising between now and the election.”
Alex Riley, District 1 (Challenger)
Total Contributions Received: $1,000.00
Total Expenditures Made: $8.60.00
Campaign Loans: $2,000.00
“I’ve been receiving unsolicited donations from people I’ve never personally spoken to from all over the city and I take that as a really good sign. While it hasn’t been announced on the website yet, I’ve been endorsed by the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and I’m really optimistic… for myself, for Susan, and for Julie… I think the three challengers are really tapping into a strong feeling in this city right now.
Kellie Hinze, District 2 (Incumbent)
Total Contributions Received: $34,896.20
Total Expenditures Made: $5,095.23
Campaign Loans: $2,000.00
“I was very encouraged to read these numbers. You don’t know heading into the election where you stand and how much your opponent’s message resonates. I believe these numbers, raised in thanks to this community, are a strong sign my beliefs are on the right track. My values are aligned with the people who I currently represent, people who are motivated to keep me in office.”
Susan Turney, District 2 (Challenger)
Total Contributions Received: $5,403.33
Total Expenditures Made: $1,387.59
Campaign Loans: $0
“I am excited to be running to represent the residents with whom I have advocated over many years for residents’ voices to be heard at City Hall. My campaign is getting an enthusiastic response from voters across the city, reflecting my reputation as an advocate for residents citywide.
My fundraising statement reflects this widespread support; with the exception of two contributors, all donations came from Encinitas residents. As with Prop A, I am running a grassroots campaign that focuses on resident support over that of special interests.”
The post Incumbents Blakespear, Hinze lead opponents in financial contributions appeared first on The Coast News Group.