HUNTINGTON BEACH : Trustee Candidates Report War Chests

Two board candidates calling for radical change in the Huntington Beach City School District lead in fund raising, according to their financial disclosure statements.

Incumbent Robert Mann and challenger Shirley Carey reported collecting three times more than any of the other candidates through the reporting period that ended Oct. 20.

Financial reports also showed that challenger Michael J. Cassidy, who reported having the smallest campaign fund in the race, was the only candidate who reported receiving a contribution from former Supt. Diana Peters. Peters resigned amid controversy in August, a move that has sharply divided the district.

Cassidy, whose financial report covered only his earnings through Oct. 11 and totaled $1,000, received a $100 donation from Peters.

Board President Sherry Barlow and trustees Patricia Cohen and Mann are running for reelection Nov. 6 against a field of four challengers.

Mann, who is seeking election to his first full term after being elected in 1987, had accumulated $11,755 in cash donations, loans and non-monetary contributions, according to his report. He reportedly loaned $9,400 of that sum from his personal funds. But he was reported to have spent all but $533 of the money by the filing period close.

Carey, in her first bid for elective office, reported raising $10,590, $4,200 of which came from personal loans.

Cohen, a nine-year board member, reported raising $3,478, including $2,150 in loans.

Challenger Brian Garland received a financial boost from the teachers union in raising $2,875 for his campaign. Garland’s largest donation was $1,000 from the Huntington Beach Elementary Teachers Assn. Additionally, he reported receiving $167 worth of postage from the West Orange County United Teachers, the umbrella union for teachers.