As the Republican presidential primary comes to South Carolina much will be made about fundraising and its importance in determining the winner.
Fundraising is just as important in local elections, as the final campaign reports, which were posted yesterday, indicate. They can be found in more detail at the website of the South Carolina State Ethics Commission HERE.
Candidates filed their final contribution and expense reports on Jan. 10. Some of the highlights:
The winner of City Council Seat Six, Larry Goodson, raised $3,430.26 compared to $400 raised by the man he defeated, incumbent Michael Reynolds.
Of Goodson's total funds raised, $508.56 came from his own pockets, $694.80 came from former Mauldin Mayor Wayne Crick or Crick's company Special Systems, Inc. But, the largest chunk by far came from the Committee for Better Government which donated $1,966.90.
The Committee for Better Government has Peter J. Schneider and Alexandra L. Schneider listed as the chairman and treasurer, respectively. However, the committee received all of its money, $2,000 from Crick's Special Systems, Inc., according to the report. The committee did not give money to any other candidate besides Goodson. The committee also was listed as the responsible party in the sign pictured with this article.
Scott Crosby, who won City Council Seat 4, raised $2,910.72 compared to zero for his opponent, the incumbent, James Kennedy. Of the total amount raised, $1,970.72 was Crosby's own money. His largest donor was Carl B. Barney of Crystal Bay, Nev., who gave $500. Barney is listed as the CEO of Stevens-Henager College and College America Service.
On the mayoral side, winner Dennis Raines raised almost three times the amount of money than that of former mayor, Don Godbey. Raines received $9,009.05 in donations, compared to Godbey's $3,350. Raines also received money from Crick, $792.92 in full.
But Raines and his wife, Cathy were the biggest contributors to his campaign with combined giving totaling $1,866.13.
Raines' next biggest donor was Timothy Brett, owner of the public relations firm Brett Inc., who gave $1,000.
Raines had more than two dozen separate donors compared to approximately a dozen for Godbey. One donor both Raines and Godbey had in common was the Realtors Political Action Committee in Columbia, which gave each candidate $500.
Wafiya Woods
9:13 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Michael Reynolds is a wonderful person was a GREAT Councilman. He responded to peoples concerns with action not just words and was the only person that took the time to explain the problems Mauldin faces in the budget. This article highlights the need for true campaign finance reform on a local, state and national level.
Former Council Member
9:22 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Mauldin residents need to look at this list of donors very carefully and question why it was so important to have these individuals in office.
All this hoopla and money spent over a fee that amounts to 87 cents a week for 52 weeks a year, rain or shine for trash pick up, leaf, grass and yard debris pick up as well as mosquito spraying in the summer.
Hmmm, seems like a really good value to me. Oh, and it is tax deductable.
The 20% of my tax bill that is due Mauldin amounts to $5.00 a week. This means that for $5 I get police and fire protection, as well as city parks and streets to drive on. There are other items that fall into this but when you do the math, it turns out to be a pretty good deal, especially when your house is burning at 2am. The ability to call 911 is priceless.
Wafiya Woods
10:23 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Well, now we know why you are a "Former Council Member". You actually presented facts and data rather then utilize political rhetoric and finance in your reelection bid. So when the county raises the rates even higher for refuse disposal I guess we'll just have to lay off the police and/or fire department.
We must not let logic get in the way of the "good ol' boy" politics as usual. What amazes me, is that when our political institutions are at an all time low in the public's eye, we decided to throw out a man that is exactly what the populace claims it wants.
I do hope that Michael does not let this bought and paid for election result get in the way of his desire to serve the community as he was and is what the true meaning of "public servant" is all about. I can attest to his dedication as I communicated with him on several issues all of which were received and resolved with the integrity I expect from one who holds public office.
Sara Green
9:16 am on Thursday, January 12, 2012
Amazing how Mr. Goodson can "raise" money to get elected for public office but can't pay his past due debts from as far back as 2003. Plumbing material purchased for his own company that was never paid back...Maybe Mr. Crick or his company would like to take care of that too.....plus the money donated to Mr. Raines from Tim Brett....same thing as money from Mr. Crick. Michael Reynolds is a great person with high morals and honesty. Too bad Mauldin the person elected to replace him does not have the same valves.
Wafiya Woods
10:17 am on Thursday, January 12, 2012
Great, and informative post Sara and we wonder why people have given up on the political process. Councilman Reynolds provided us with a very viable solution to a waste disposal rate increase from the county and he is defeated by someone who has no answer and no ideas. Sadly, this seems to be the winning formula on a local, state and national level. I think we've been down this "Just Say NO!" road before. How's that workin' out for ya?
Jon
8:37 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2012
I'm glad to see people are realizing what a mistake Mauldin has made by electing Mr. Goodson. Our residents are uninformed and that is detrimental to our community. As far as the amount of money raised by candidates, the amount doesn't bother me as much as the donors. Wayne Crick and Tim Brett are not the people we want as our city's puppet masters.
To Former Council Member, thank you for the breakdown. If only our community realized what they are getting for just 87 cents a week. I have family members in Greenville County who are paying $45 a MONTH for garbage pick-up ALONE. Mauldin is a wonderful community that Mayor Godbey and Mr. Reynolds have hearts and passion for. They have laid a lot of ground work that I hope doesn't go unseen.
One more thing, how can we trust Mr. Goodson to manage the city's finances when he cannot manage his own? He has multiple (very public) judgements against him as well as his business. Sounds like he's the one with the "cash leak problem," not the city.
Sara Green
7:37 am on Friday, January 13, 2012
Jon and Christine..very well said...My entire family supported Mr. Godbey and Mr. Reynolds...hopefully in 4 years the citizens will see their mistake and re-elect some honest people who can't be brought!
Fiona
7:43 pm on Saturday, January 14, 2012
I don't know how you people sleep at night! You sound like a bunch of sore losers, and poor sports! Mr. Goodson is a fair, hard working honest man of God, and I'm sure you'll 'be eating humble pie much sooner than you think. Instead of slinging mud, why don't you pull a Tebow and pray for our newly elected officials, and this great city in which we live?
Jon
8:50 pm on Monday, January 16, 2012
Fiona, please take a look at the sign above if you want to see mud slinging. Mr. Goodson was part of that campaign negativity, which was false information I might add. The information in my statements above are facts and they are available for the public should anyone question my comments. And I don't believe it's best for you to assume I do not pray for public officials.