SANTA ANA : Mayor, Allies Have Huge Lead in Funds

As the Nov. 3 election draws near, contributions to Mayor Daniel H. Young and his three allies on the City Council election ballot have continued to far outstrip those of all their rivals combined, according to financial statements filed at City Hall last week.

In the mayoral race, Young has now spent $54,674. In comparison, rival John Acosta has spent $9,450. The financial reports, which also show contributions made during the first 17 days of October, show that Young brought in donations at roughly six times the pace of his opponent during that period.

Young’s report shows contributions for early October ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 from the Chamber of Commerce, City Employee Assn. and the Santa Ana Police Officers’ Political Action Committee.

Acosta’s statement shows $2,519 in contributions for the same period. He also reported an additional $1,000 contribution from Russell Investments of Westminster that was received after Oct. 17.

Between Oct. 18 and the election, contributions of more than $1,000 must be reported to the city clerk’s office within 24 hours.

The amount of money raised by Young and his unofficial running mates now stands at $126,477 for the year, about 2 1/2 times greater than the amount raised by all the remaining nine candidates combined.

The candidates who have received financial support and the endorsement of the mayor are Glenn Mondo, an attorney, in Ward 1; Lisa Mills, a project planner for the Orange County Transportation Authority, in Ward 3; and Thomas E. Lutz, a construction contractor, Ward 5.

Former Councilman Harry K. Yamamoto has run his campaign on a shoestring budget, having spent only $666.41 for the year. He is running for the open seat in Ward 5 against three other candidates, including Lutz, who has already outspent him by roughly a 27-to-1 margin.

By Friday evening, candidates Zeke Hernandez and John M. Patterson had not filed their financial statements. However, Patterson had did turn in two supplementary reports, one covering a late expenditure of $200 and the other covering a late $100 donation.