BRUNSWICK — Two at-large candidates for the Town Council have spent more than four times more than anyone else in next week’s town elections.

Finance reports filed with the town clerk on Oct. 28 show that current District 7 Councilor Benet Pols and William Dana spent $2,480 and $2,323, respectively, on their campaigns.

The third candidate in the race, Byron Watson, spent $577.

All three at-large council candidates out-spent the candidates running for the at-large seat on the School Board. William Thompson spent $349 for placards and posters for his School Board campaign, while John Jones spent $75.

Pols not only leads the candidates in expenditures, he has also raised the most money: $2,070.

He has attracted financial support from two other elected officials: $250 from at-large School Board member Michelle Small, and $50 from District 2 Councilor Ben Tucker.

Advertisement

Pols also netted several contributions from residents of the Bouchard Drive and Hennessey Street area, who publicly opposed the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority’s decision to build a train maintenance building in the neighborhood. Pols opposed that site.

Although he spent almost as much as Pols, Dana didn’t raise any money because he chose to self-finance his campaign. 

Watson raised $560.

Thompson was the only person in the either contested race who received donations from a political organization. He netted $108 in in-kind contributions from the Brunswick Republicans for paper and printed fliers. He also raised $150 in contributions of less than $50.

The only uncontested candidate to spend money on a campaign is council District 7 hopeful Sarah Brayman, who spent $345 of her own money.

The finance reports cover the period ending Oct. 25. Candidates must disclose any additional spending and donations 42 days after the Nov. 8 election. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Brunswick Junior High School.

Emily Guerin can be reached at 781-3661 ext.123 or eguerin@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter: @guerinemily.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

filed under: