In Minto and Wellington North, it was the mayoral candidates who spent the most money and who won the hearts of voters in last year’s municipal elections.
But when it comes to campaign expenses, it looks like there is a clear winner.
Wellington North
In the four-way race to become Wellington North’s mayor, candidate Ray Tout had campaign period expenses of $12,058, with a spending cap of $14,946.85.
However, of that, $3,805.21 was not subject to the campaign limit as they were costs attributed to expenses related to a vote recount and a voting day party and appreciation notices.
Spending for the other mayor candidates were: Janice Lewis, $1,613; Michael Broomhead, $7,791; and, Ross Chaulk, $3,591.
The campaign spending for those elected are: Andy Lennox, $3,151 (limit $7,499); Dan Yake, $1,043 (limit $6,873); Mark Goetz, $1,144 (limit $6,055); and Sherry Burke, $1,585 (limit $7,018);
The campaign spending for the remaining candidates was: Barry Dishart, $574 (limit $7,499); Derek Bridgwater, $2,361 (limit $6,873); George Johnstone, $418 (limit $7,499); John Matusinec, $797 ($7,483); Kevin Bodz, $548 ($6,159); Lisa Hern, $304 ($6,055); Ron J. Forrest, $1,200 ($7,130); Sean McLeod, $460 (limit $6,947); and, Steven Leask, $280 (limit not filed in report).
Spending limits varied among the various wards in Wellington North due to differences in population.
Minto
Incoming mayor George Bridge spent $5,346 on his campaign in last year’s municipal election – over twice that spent by incumbent David Anderson, who filed expenses of $1,853.
The limit for the mayor’s position was $12,446.
The expense limit for the deputy-mayor and town councillor was the same at $9,946.
In the deputy mayor’s race, Terence Fisk’s successful campaign cost of $1,576 was considerably lower than Judy Dirksen’s $2,603.
As for town council, campaigns expenses for those elected were: Ron B. Faulkner; $1,748, Mary-Lou Colwell, $1,262; Rick Hembly, $459; Dave Turton; $2,211; and Ron B. Elliott, $548.
Expenses for council contenders included: Glenn D. Bell, $1349; Wayne D. Martin, $501; Dana Williams, $520; and John W. Brown, $100.
Though acclaimed in Ward 1, county councillor Mark MacKenzie came in with campaign expenses of $187. The spending limit was $9,946.
Wellington County Ward 3
In Wellington Ward 3 the spending limit was $9,947.
Successful county council candidate Gary Williamson spent $2,225 while his David Kopp spent $495, and Walter Trachsel spent $1,693.
Wellington County Ward 4
In county Ward 4 the spending limit was $9,510.
Lynda White returned to council with a $4,641 campaign while opponent James Heinbuch spent $571.
Upper Grand School Board
There were four candidates for the trustee position covering Mapleton, Wellington North, and Minto.
With a spending limit of just over $21,000, incumbent trustee Bruce Schieck spent just $519. Campaign expenses for the other candidates were: Doris French, $100; Irma DeVries, $129; and Timothy Meyers, $2,031.
