LAGUNA HILLS : Council Candidates File Finance Reports

Most of the 10 City Council candidates for the proposed city of Laguna Hills have dug into their own pockets to jump-start their races for the March 5 election, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Orange County registrar of voters.

The campaign statements show that candidates Gregory N. Weiler and Craig Scott probably will be the two big spenders in the race for five council seats, should voters also approve the incorporation of the new city.

The statements, the last to be filed before the election, reflect fund-raising activities through Feb. 16.

Weiler, who reports contributions totaling $7,129, has loaned his own campaign $6,200. His expenditures total $8,840. The report does not show the proceeds from a $150-per-person fund-raiser at Fashion Island on Thursday sponsored by Orange County Supervisor Harriett M. Wieder.

Scott’s finance statement shows him as the second-largest spender through the reporting period, with expenses totaling $3,624. The contributions to his campaign total $4,570, including a $2,670 loan he made to his campaign.

Candidate William Simmons’ only contribution is a $5,000 loan he made to his election effort.

All other candidates said they expect to spend less than $5,000.

L. Allan Songstad Jr. reported that he paid $3,621 to his campaign to write off a debt left from a previous council race.

Citizens to Save Laguna Hills, the campaign committee for the cityhood referendum, reported raising $5,621 and spending $6,848.