Tavern Host Tops Costa Mesa City Council Race Fund Raising

City Council candidate Gary Monahan, manager of Henry and Harry’s Goathill Tavern, has raised the most money so far in his bid for a seat--just under $9,000, according to campaign statements.

Eleven candidates have filed campaign statements at City Hall. Five candidates, however, said they did not expect to raise or spend more than $1,000. They were Lynn D. Clements, Bob Brady, Janet Lea McCammon, Michael B. Collier and James S. Wysopal.

Costa Mesa Planning Commissioner Libby Cowan, a community services director for the city of Irvine, received $6,181, the second-highest amount. Incumbent Peter F. Buffa came in third with $3,763.

There are two open seats on the council. Councilman Jay Humphrey is stepping down after four years of service, and Buffa’s seat is up for reelection.

Although he received the most contributions to date, Monahan downplayed his political war chest, saying it was “too early to paint a picture.” Monahan said he spent $8,600 on a combination of activities, including the golf tournament he held to kick off his campaign, lawn signs and political flyers.

Monahan received the financial backing of employees of various alcohol distributors and brewing companies who played in his golf tournament. He also received $1,000 from Harbor Boulevard of Cars Political Action Committee.

Chris Steel, a self-employed financial consultant, reported that he has dished up his $3,500 bankroll from his own pocket. Costa Mesa Planning Commissioner Mark Korando, a code enforcement officer for the city of Irvine, raised $3,416.

Cowan received $434 from Friends of Jay Humphrey, a group endorsing Cowan. She also received $125 from the Committee to Elect Tom Umberg for Attorney General.

Of Buffa’s $3,700 in contributions, $900 came from Robert Bein, William Frost & Associates, a civil engineering firm in Irvine.