As with national and regional races, local candidates are spending money hand over fist in the race for council positions.
The latest financial returns before Tuesday’s election have candidate Ibrahim Bashir raising $72, 776 thus far – by far the most money raised in Los Altos council campaign history.
Challenger Larry Lang raised $18,680 by comparison, the second largest among of money raised among the five candidates (two incumbents) for three council seats.
Councilmember Sally Meadows has raised $15,675, her latest financial filings show. Mayor Jonathan Weinberg has raised $8,028 (although he has taken out a $25,000 loan) in his quest for re-election.
Candidate Eric Steinle did not record any monetary contributions. Steinle is currently chairman of the city’s Planning Commission.
Bashir, a former Los Altos library commissioner, has spent more than $60,000 in his multi-media campaign thus far. He has been criticized for raising money from many sources outside Los Altos, and some have openly wondered why he would feel the need to raise and spend so much money on a local campaign. Bashir has said he wanted to advertise on targeted social media, as well as mailers and other print advertising to get his name out there.
Meadows has spent nearly $25,000 on her campaign to date, while receiving nearly $15,000 in loans. She has recorded nearly $27,000 in total expenditures.
Weinberg recorded nearly $30,000 in total expenditures made.
Mountain View City Council candidates have raised more than $206,000, according to accumulated year-to-date data from FFPC forms. Those who currently sit, and those who previously served, on city council raised the most money this year.
Leading the pack is incumbent hopeful Emily Ann Ramos, who raised almost $35,000. Chris Clark, who’s hoping to serve again on council after a four-year hiatus followed Ramos closely and raised just over $33,000.
The two candidates were the only few to surpass $30,000, but incumbent – and current mayor – Pat Showalter raised $26,500.
Most hopefuls took out loans to fund some of their campaigns.
IdaRose Sylvester raised $25,600, including a $6,500 loan; Erik Poicon raised $25,300; Nicholas Hargis raised $24,200; Devon Conley raised $16,300; John McAlister raised $14,100 thousand ($6,00 of which was from a loan); and Jose Gutierrez raised $6,800 thousand, $2,500 of which was from a loan.
