SAN FERNANDO : Lawyer Has Largest Campaign War Chest

Of seven candidates running for three open San Fernando City Council seats, newcomer Arthur M. Kay, a lawyer, has by far the largest election campaign fund, reporting $17,000 in total contributions received.

According to campaign disclosure statements filed last week, all of Kay’s money came from his law firm, Law Offices of Arthur Kay.

Raul Godinez, an engineer with the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, had the second largest war chest, with $3,436, and incumbent Doude Wysbeek had the third largest, with $1,760.

Joanne Baltierrez reported $1,526 in contributions, incumbents Jose Hernandez and Dan Acuna reported $1,350 and $350, respectively, and John Becker reported a campaign budget of $0.

Candidate Ed Guzman failed to submit his campaign statement on March 3, and had still not done so by Thursday afternoon. He is being fined $10 per day until he does, said City Clerk Wilma Miller.

The early statements, which cover the period from Jan. 1 to Feb. 26, do not necessarily represent who has the most financial backing. Some candidates, such as Mayor Acuna, held fund-raisers after the March 3 deadline for the statements.

Candidates are required to file another financial disclosure form March 31, which will update their overall campaign contributions. That statement will cover the period from Feb. 27 to March 26.

If a candidate fails to submit a statement, the case is handed over to the city attorney for further investigation.

The election will be April 12.