Unlike two years ago, when Thomas Stith raised upwards of 20 Grand, including a $4,000 windfall from the conservative Pope family, for an unsuccessful mayoral run, there are no major campaign finance earthquakes in the Durham council and mayoral races, according to reports filed today.
Over the last month, Ward I incumbent Cora Cole-McFadden has raised nearly $2,400 in campaign contributions, including $390 in amounts of $50 or less and $2,000 in larger amounts.
A chunk of her money, $1,000, came from Durham businessman Ralph Owens, $300 from Larry McFadden, $200 from David Hundy, an accountant in Hansen Hills, Calif.; $100 each from Durham Realtor Jon Parker, pastor Jesse Jones, contractor H. Michael Spears, Sharon Elliott-Bynum, a nurse; and William Forte Jr.
Cole-McFadden has spent $1,776.
Meanwhile, Ward I challenger Donald Hughes has raised $779: $379 in contributions of $50 or less and $400 in larger amounts. Joining Hughes’ $100 club is Durham County Commissioner Joe Bowser, Ann Slifkin, a lawyer and Superior court-certified mediator; R. Bradley Long, who works in marketing for Adam & Eve, an adult novelty store; and F.V. Allison Jr., who serves on the American Dance Festival Board and is married to a Lavonia Allison, who leads the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People.
Hughes has spent $145.
As for Ward II incumbent Howard Clement, the only notable contribution to his campaignand the only one, periodis $100 from Craigie Sanders, attorney for K&L Gates, which is pushing two controversial proposals: the 751 Assemblage development near Jordan Lake and the amendments to the billboard ordinance.
Campaign finance reports for the Durham primary election were due by 5 p.m. today. Look for updates on Ward III and other filers tomorrow.
