ANAHEIM : 6 Candidates’ Total Exceeds $500,000

With less than two weeks left to campaign, Anaheim is living up to its reputation as a costly place to seek political office.

In the last campaign financial statements to be made public before the Nov. 6 election, six of the seven City Council candidates have raised a combined total of more than $500,000, according to mandatory reports filed by 5 p.m. Thursday at the city clerk’s office.

Mayor Fred Hunter and his challenger, Councilman Irv Pickler, have raised more than $100,000 each. Council candidate John Schaffer, a computer specialist, is not raising campaign funds.

Pickler topped Hunter in fund raising during the 20-day reporting period that ended Oct. 20. He garnered just over $42,000, compared to Hunter’s $25,905. However, Hunter leads the race in total contributions to date with $166,553 compared to Pickler’s $130,767.

Hunter continued to receive large contributions from various labor groups and the city’s own municipal employees union, developers, and executives of both the California Angels and Los Angeles Rams.

In the latest reporting period, Pickler received funding mostly from developers and local business people.

Three council seats and the mayor’s post are contested in this election.

Of those candidates running for City Council, Bob D. Simpson continues to lead in fund raising with $21,000 during the latest reporting period, with large contributions from employees’ unions, Gene and Jackie Autry, and developers. His total fund raising to date now stands at $88,000.

Incumbent Miriam Kaywood followed with $14,844 raised from contributors such as the Walt Disney Co. and developers, bringing her total fund raising as the election nears to $58,732.

Planning Commissioner Frank Feldhaus raised $6,745 this period, and Anaheim Union High School District board member Jo Ann Barnett reported $6,035 raised.

Feldhaus has raised $60,585 to date with recent support from the Autrys, developers and local business people.

Barnett has raised $32,290 in total contributions, with developers and colleagues lending support.