The Observation Deck

The following information came from the 2006 annual report filed in 2007. The reports did not include any contributions received in 2007. The figures do not include in kind contributions.

Mayor George:

Total contributions: $18,450

Total dollars from Lakewood Zip Code: $3,800

Total number of contributions: 77

Contributors with Lakewood Zip Code: 29

Percentage of dollars from Lakewood Zip: 20%
Percentage of contributors from Lakewood Zip: 38%

Balance on hand $30,367.

Loans outstanding: $13,000

Councilman Fitzgerald:

Total contributions: $2,920

Total dollars from Lakewood Zip Code: $2,140

Total number of contributions: 54

Contributors with Lakewood Zip Code: 40

Percentage of dollars from Lakewood Zip: 73%
Percentage of contributors from Lakewood Zip: 74%

Balance on hand $3,288

Outstanding loans: $199.25

Councilman Demro:

Total contributions: $7,353.27

Total dollars from Lakewood Zip Code: $6,120

Total number of contributions: 82

Contributors with Lakewood Zip Code: 69

Percentage of dollars from Lakewood Zip: 83%
Percentage of contributors from Lakewood Zip: 84%

Balance on hand $3,359

Outstanding loans: 0

Very interesting...and eye openening really...

I wonder how the candidates would explain the numbers?

I wonder how they mirror what the percentages and total dollar amounts are today?

I would think that it would be important for all candidates to disclose the source of their contributions. It is important for me.

Rhonda Loje

Well if my memory serves me correctly, you will all be able to find out what the numbers say about this year, since there will be a report needed to be filed with in the next 10 days to the Board of Election.

I think the rule is 30 days prior to the Primary.

Rhonda - all political contributions over $50 have to be reported.

Bill - are you suggesting that only people who live in Lakewood should be able to make contributions to Lakewood candidates? Is there something inherently wrong or suspicious about people who don't live in Lakewood supporting a Lakewood candidate?

What about people who do business in Lakewood but don't live here?

I guess it's suspicious that we try to make contributions to a Cleveland councilman's "war chest"? We must want something in return or we wouldn't be contributing, right?

dl meckes wrote:Rhonda - all political contributions over $50 have to be reported.

Bill - are you suggesting that only people who live in Lakewood should be able to make contributions to Lakewood candidates? Is there something inherently wrong or suspicious about people who don't live in Lakewood supporting a Lakewood candidate?

What about people who do business in Lakewood but don't live here?

I guess it's suspicious that we try to make contributions to a Cleveland councilman's "war chest"? We must want something in return or we wouldn't be contributing, right?

I don't think there's anything wrong with it, people can give money to anyone , anywhere they like.

I do think it's telling though if the vast majority of a candidate's money is from outside the area they're running to represent...

dl meckes wrote:Rhonda - all political contributions over $50 have to be reported.

Bill - are you suggesting that only people who live in Lakewood should be able to make contributions to Lakewood candidates? Is there something inherently wrong or suspicious about people who don't live in Lakewood supporting a Lakewood candidate?

What about people who do business in Lakewood but don't live here?

I guess it's suspicious that we try to make contributions to a Cleveland councilman's "war chest"? We must want something in return or we wouldn't be contributing, right?

No good can ever come from it.. just sayin... take a look at national politics... Why would a Chinese General donate to an US presidential campaign?

PS I am not for creating a law against it... If a politician ever makes a decision that favors a big donor (Halliburton) then it is a catch 22 for the politician. But, people are free to do with their money as they wish...

Observers,

I'm not sure where Bill got his figures, but from July 1, 2006 to Dec. 31, 2006 my report which is on file with the Board of Elections showed a balance on hand of $30,417.68 with 50 contributions from Lakewood (44107), not 29.

By law, contributions of less than $25.00 need not be individually reported.

Mayor Tom George

PS PS also, I am sure that people running for mayor have friends outside of Lakewood that donate..

Citizens for Demro reports ALL contributions to our campaign. We do not take money from developers or individuals that we know hold contracts or are seeking contracts from City Hall.

We are proud to have the most donors, and the highest percentage from Lakewood. Although donors can influence an election, only Lakewood voters get to cast an opinion at the end of the day.

Thomas J. George wrote:Observers,

I'm not sure where Bill got his figures, but from July 1, 2006 to Dec. 31, 2006 my report which is on file with the Board of Elections showed a balance on hand of $30,417.68 with 50 contributions from Lakewood (44107), not 29.

By law, contributions of less than $25.00 need not be individually reported.

Mayor Tom George

The report provided by the Board of Elections for the period July 1 through December 31 , 2006:

1. Showed a typed in balance of $30,417.68 which was crossed out and replaced with the number $30,367.68. I used the adjusted number.

2. The total contributions shown on the report had a typed in number of $18,500 which was crossed out and replaced with the number $18,450. I used the adjusted number.

3. The total contributions were listed on an a spred sheet that totaled $17,550 and 3 donations listed on form 31-A totaling $900. Which is the total amount of reported contributions.

4. There are five contributions of $25 included in the reported totals.

5. On the report in question there are 29 contributions with a Lakewood address.

6. Since the total of the individual contributions listed equals the total of the contributions reported I assumed that the report included all individual contributions.