Print this story | E-mail story | This story has 32 comments Add your own | iPod friendly
Mayoral race total costly
Published Thursday, May 22, 2008
NATCHEZ — Signs, advertisements, bumper stickers, magnets — the full range of items purchased throughout the campaign season racks up to a pretty pricey bill for some mayoral and alderman candidates.
As of May 13, the deadline for candidate financial reports, the mayoral candidates had spent between $30,000 and $50,000 each during their campaigns.
City Clerk Donnie Holloway said for a mayoral campaign, that’s actually low.
While many a candidate will end up paying out of their own pocket, a great portion of campaign funds spent come from donations.
Mayoral candidate Jake Middleton has received $33,635 in contributions.
“I’m still continuing to get donations into my campaign,” he said.
Most of the money Middleton has spent has gone to advertising.
“I used all of the media — TV, radio, newspaper,” he said.
He also has been renting billboard space as part of his campaigning.
The billboards he rented were of the smaller variety, as he said there were not many available large billboards in optimal places.
Middleton said he’s also spent money on push cards, stationery and bumper stickers.
He said he could have never had a successful campaign had it not been for the contributions he received.
“I’ve had a tremendous amount of support,” he said. “It’s been very humbling to know that people have continuously called to help.”
Mayoral hopeful Chick Graning has received $29,000 in contributions.
“Mainly my contributions have come from local people and individual contributions,” he said.
He has received some donations from local businesses, also.
He was surprised when he received money from some of his former football teammates from Georgia Tech.
“(That has) pleased me to no end,” he said. “That’s a real warm feeling since that was 45 years ago.”
The money he’s received he said he’s spread around and there was really no top-heavy spending.
He’s placed ads in local newspapers and recorded a radio advertisement and a TV advertisement.
He’s also purchased push cards, signs, magnetic signs to put on cars and more.
He also has a billboard on Homochitto Street that he’s been renting for two and half months.
Mayor Phillip West in his campaign received $48,582 in contributions that came from both local and out of town, he said.
Ward 3 incumbent Bob Pollard has reported a balance of zero since campaigning began.
Mostly because the Republican candidate has been running unopposed so far and will face candidate Gwen Ball in the June 3 general election.
This is the reason he said he hasn’t spent any money.
“I wasn’t in the primary,” he said. “I waited until the primary was over before I came on strong.”
He said he placed signs he had from the last election during the first legs of the campaign season, but ever since the end of the primary, Pollard said he’s been shelling out money for signs and push cards and advertising.
“I’ve spent all my money since that time,” he said.
Campaign materials can range in price, but Democratic Ward 5 candidate Mark Fortenbery said he spent $300 in postage for his mail outs, bought magnets at 30 cents a piece, paid $100 for 12 T-shirts and $300 on only 100 signs.
“It gets expensive,” Fortenbery said.
Comments
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 12:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez Democrat...no numbers information was given as to the expenditures of the mayoral candidates...only the contributions to their campaigns...at what point, moneywise do contributors have to be identified? Have any reached that point? Who are they?
This article, so far, proves that the guy everyone thought had the big downtown, powerbroker, blue-haired lady, hysterical society, garden club, garden district, etc. behind him really doesn't (PW had the biggest war chest, now Jake does)...he's just got the regular folks who care about Natchez and want something positive to happen behind him...vote for Chick!
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 12:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sam - people who give larger amounts have to be listed - can't remember the exact amount - might be $100 or $500. When you qualify to run you are given all the rules the dates you have to file reports etc. It would be interesting to see how much of the $50,000 Phillip raised he still has - under MS law he can keep it (as long as he pays the tax.) Hopefully Phillip got a nice bonus despite his loss!
Both Chick and Jake have raised a good amount of money still on the low side - I think Hank and Butch both spent over $60,000 on their campaigns 8 years ago.
Posted by oldsaw (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
FYI, Chick's so called regular folks.....are not.
He received a $10,000.00 donation from 1 contributor and $6,000.00 from 1 other. 2 people contributed ½ of what was contributed. That doesn’t sound like a couple of regular folks to me.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 1:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow me either oldsaw......
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 4:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i dont see why we need a mayor and aldermen anyway...why not just let the supervisors run the town too.they seem to be doing a great job in outside the city limits...plus it would save lots of money
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 7:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
oldsaw...got any proof for your allegations?
Posted by jaayden (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It seems to me the world would have a better selection of candidates if they were only allowed to receive in contributions and spend up to what they would make in one year in the position they are running for.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So true jaayden.....
Posted by justmeinchez (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
oldsaw and fire39212
If you are really concerned about the contributions, you can get a copy from the City Clerk's office. It lists donations and expenses. I have a copy. Jake's number of $33,635 is correct. Chick has raised $39,388. Don't know where the Democrat got their numbers. The donations are from all over the city and vary in amount.
Posted by jack (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
adam probably did the figures like he thinks its labor day weekend in the report about the sheriff road blocks
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
shedevil - I disagree with you big time on that last comment. You think the hospital is being run right? Its a county hospital, meaning the supervisors oversee it.
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think you can go to a ms.gov website and get the breakdown on the figures.
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
well, its a beautiful day in the neighborhood, beautiful day in the neighborhood, would you be mine, could you be my neighbor??/
I do not believe that the hospital has been properly managed in many years. I would say it started the downhill slide about 12 years ago.
the county does not have as many groups trying to push their agenda down the supervisors throat all the time and that lets them manage from good old fashioned integrity, not from a cowardly hound dog position. When you have any town or city, just like Jackson or Natchez, being managed by people that only want to promote their little bitty part of the town, an example being the Natchez Historical Foundation or the Metro Opera Foundation, then many other REAL needs around the town go un-noticed by the people in charge. It is really simple, it goes back to the squeaky wheel gets the grease...even if the rest of the train has jumped the track. It is not only a problem for Natchez and Jackson, but every town in America. This is the very reason infrastructures all over America are collapsing while we have Opera Houses and Convention centers being built....
We need to get back to the very basics in our government before we have no basic services anymore.
I know many will not agree, but the truth needs to slap you upside the head ocassionally....
WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!!!
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
redusmfan, I AGREE 100 PERCENT WITH YOU. That is EXACTY the reason why we can not have all that we need in Natchez. The really important needs of Natchez has always had to take the back seat. BUT ONE THING IN OUR FAVOR, I for one think we are getting the right people in place to change things around. Please I beg of everyone get to the polls and vote Jake Middleton. He is the one we desperately need, for a desperate change. And before you ask, no I am not related to him in any way, I do not even socialize with him, but I know he is the one we need.
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I do not know the answer to whom the next mayor of Natchez should be, but I hope that he looks at the picture of the sun and sees it as a rising sun. This means that he will have to realize that everyday is a new day for Natchez. yesterday is gone and can't be changed, but we can only change today and the results will change tomorrow.
Read past post and you will understand how much I hope and pray for change in my hometown. I wish I could take my kids down there and not see there faces hang low with depression as we drive through town. I would like to see a smile on their face the way I smiled as a kid driving through Natchez. But for now, that is not going to happen....
Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on May 23, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
According to the list of contributors at the City Clerks office, Jake Middleton received a $24,000 plus donation from Ed Worley.
You figure it out.
Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm all for someone who has not been on the government teat forever. Inexperience? I will take it over the "experience" I have seen. If you have not done anything by now, chances are ya ain't gonna.
Change is good.
Posted by oldsaw (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 6 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sammohon, proof? Look at the reports. The $10,000 contribution was from Charles Feltus and the other was from Jerry Krouse.
Indefinitelymight, I did not see Middleton $24,000 contribution. Who was it from?
Posted by justmeinchez (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I received in the mail today a card from the Middleton campaign referencing the mayoral race in the terms of a football contest (goal post included!). The question on the card was "When the game is on the line, who do you want to take the snap...a seasoned veteran with 16 yrs experience or an untested rookie?"
The real question is "Do you want a seasoned veteran who never scored in 16 yrs or a talented though untested rookie?" Tony Byrne, a former mayor of Natchez, who like Granning was a REAL athlete, began as an untested though talented rookie and only lasted 20 yrs...and did a splendid job! Granning, as I understand, has been a REAL captain of a real football team. Judging from the alderman meetings, I have attended or seen on TV, Jake hasn't participated enough to have played a significant role in any of the projects in progress.
Granning may be untested in politics (bad thing?), but Jake has been tested for 16 yrs and has failed.
Posted by oldsaw (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hum....justmeinchez....so what you are saying is that for the Mayors job no community service trumps 16 years of community service? How can that make any sense?
Posted by justmeinchez (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
oldsaw, how do you define community service? is that for a fee or for free?
Posted by oldsaw (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
justmeinchez, the question was ANY community service. Please educate us on Granings community involvement.
Posted by justmeinchez (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 8:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Didn't Jake participate in raising salaries for the aldermen as part of his "community service"? He voted for the aldermen to consider a raise for themselves without his constituents knowing the increase in their "community servants" pay was even being brought before the board. It was all too convenient that he could then vote against a raise he himself voted up for review, knowing the numbers neccessary for passage were assured via his fellow "public servants".And all of this done without giving a thought to raises for police or firemen. Check it out, oldsaw. I agree Granning is a bit of an unknown, but from what is known of Jake, do we want to continue in the "same good old boys network"?
Many of the postings say they want a new board and a new mayor. I am beginning to think they may be right!!!!
Posted by snatchez (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 8:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
what community boards has Chick served on? Maybe the historical board, hospital board, community chest, or did he serve on the lucky sperm club being a Junkin heir with all the oil money.
Posted by justmeinchez (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
His brother was married to a Junkin. Does that make him a "Junkin heir"? If Granning has a lot of money, why would he want to be a Public servant? I do know he is a member of Rotary which is a well respected SERVICE organization, locally and internationally.
But then maybe Rotary, which is made up of representatives of the business community, is considered "elitist" by some who are uninformed. Again, what is considered "community service" ? Is it just being on boards? I am so confused by what is elitist and what would qualify one to serve as mayor or member of the board of aldermen?
Posted by snatchez (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
what was his mother's maiden name? Rotary is club of old people who do nothing. do you see them collecting money for the xmas tree. selling light bulbs. nope, they just give at a xmas auction. do they work at the stewpot, build houses. nope just eat and burp.
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
snatchez, chick isn't a junkin. He has been a self made man, you can't take that from him.
Posted by oldsaw (anonymous) on May 23, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
justmeinchez, FYI Middleton voted against the alderman pay raise and voted for pay raises for police and fireman.
Is writting a check at an auction considered a community service? Maybe projects always need money but in all the years Graning has lived in Natchez what has he worked on for the community?
By the way, why would someone give a $10,000 contribution to a Mayoral candidate? Candidates for governor have a hard time getting that.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on May 24, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I like Chick
He came by the neighborhood the other day and we had a nice long talk
He made a lot of sense and I appreciate his background
He hasn't been involved in destroying Natchez like some other candidates have. He's from outside the circle of career politicians we sometimes allow to continue to serve with no progress made.
I appreciate his fresh approach and the fact that he's independent
He looked me in the eye and told me what he believed in and what Natchez needs, he I believe in him. I felt his passion for improving the schools. I think he'll work hard and although he has no legal authority to change school personnel, yet he can cast a tie breaking vote if necessary. He will get out there and visit the schools, visit the parents, visit the students and cause change the right way, by affecting the families involved. Let's face it, our superintendents and school board have failed, yet insist on explaining away their failure, as if they accept failure themselves.
oldsaw- I'd rather have a good businessman that cares, with no community service (by the way Graning has a career as a successful athletic coach in public school work so he has extensive community service in that regard)
than an entrenched previous alderman that will raise tax and salaries regardless of the welfare of the county. Plus the Middleton ads I've seen portray nothing of his stance on the issues.
snatchez you are a cynical fool- Rotary is a group of professionals that meet for community purposes. My dad served as president many years and they raise money and do a lot of good. What have you done?
You folks need to do some research and listen to what the candidates say when they are given the opportunity. I don't hear Middleton talking budget and school improvement. I get the feeling he is like another Sammy Cauthen, run up travel expenses, talk a lot of nonsense and DO NOTHING for Natchez. At least Chick talks about the issues that will IMPROVE NATCHEZ!! For Gods sake and for Natchez, let's make the schools better. Like Chick says, "we don't need to let another kid be wasted and go down the drain". If we expect industry and economic improvment, we have to have a work force that can read and write and is trainable. That is exactly why we have the thugs on the street, and the teenage pregnancy and all the STD's. I also appreciate his attitude about recreation. He wants recreation for the public but he understands that if you want to play, you have to pay. Like the golf course and tennis courts, if you play you have to pay. Chick wants a big swimming pool for the city, but if you want to swim, you have to pay. I don't hear anyone else talking like that, telling the truth about having a solid budget and creating revenue that pays for the service.
Chick for Mayor!!!
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on May 24, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
On campaign contributions--
it is anyone's right to contribute as they see fit
if someone believes in Chick enough to give thousands of dollars to help him
that ought to tell you something about the confidence that person has in Chick's ability to perform and make things better for Natchez
Personally - I am pretty tight about giving up money to any political candidate, but they need the money to get the message out
Have you priced an ad in the newspaper lately? It's outrageous!!! Radio and TV are the same, many a local business has been hurt by advertising too much.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on May 24, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
oldsaw and idefinitelymight
thanks for that campaign contribution info
that really tells the story for me
Feltus and Krouse contributing to Chick
Worley contributing to Middleton
I know Feltus and Krouse are sincerely interested in Natchez, they are lifelong residents and solid citizens and they support Chick.
Worley?? an out of town developer. That looks bad for Middleton in my eyes. I don't trust outoftowners that are pushing hard on developments that might not be in Natchez's best interest. The intent of that contribution is obviously to sway Middleton to serve Worley's special interests in various business investments around town, if Middleton is elected. That cannot be good for Natchez.
Posted by speakeasy (anonymous) on May 24, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kroger, I agree. Worley gave Middleton $2000.00 not 24,000. Still, if Worley's giving anything to any incumbent I'd be suspicious. I wonder how much he's given Pollard? And, I do mean for the campaign and not just the free drinks at the bar, dinner at the Castle. But, I guess we'll never know because Pollard's not reported anything. At least Jake's being open about it.
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)