Campaign disclosures reports were due on Monday for candidates in the nonpartisan elections in Canton, Nelson and Woodstock. A five-day grace period allows candidates to submit late disclosures through Friday.
Canton Ward 2 incumbent Councilman Bill Bryan has reported the biggest campaign fund of all candidates: $5,800, according to his report.
His donors include 10 city residents, also the most for any candidate during this reporting period, as well as $235 in donations from the Cherokee Coalition for Responsible Growth.
Of the money raised, Bryan has spent $3,383 on signs, advertising, a voter list and a fundraising party.
His challenger, Bill Staab of Canton, has raised $263 and spent $193 on his qualifying fee.
In the Canton Ward 1 race, Bob Rush has raised $2,100 including $245 from the Cherokee Coalition for Responsible Growth and has spent $1,936 on T-shirts, signs and advertising.
Fellow candidate Dr. Austin Flint reported $1,033 in contributions including a $970 loan from himself and $1,033 for expenses including signs.
Canton Ward 3 candidate John Beresford raised $1,475 in contributions and has spent $1,763 on signs, advertising and a post office box.
Fellow candidate Amy Turcotte reported $1,315 in contributions including a $1,000 loan from herself and $1,161 in expenses including signs.
In Woodstock, Ward 1 incumbent Councilman Randy Brewer reported $1,201 in contributions including a $250 loan from himself and a $150 donation by Mayor Donnie Henriques. He has spent $1,201 on signs, postcards, postage and fundraising party supplies.
His challenger, D. Warren Johnson, has raised $1,910, mainly during the previous reporting period with donors including former Mayor Bill Dewrell. Johnson has spent $1,044 on signs, fliers, stickers and a breakfast for campaign volunteers.
Woodstock Ward 3 incumbent Councilman Bob Mueller has raised $750 and spent $270 on his qualifying fee.
He is being challenged by write-in candidate Dr. Mary Sue Singletary, who has not yet filed a disclosure.
For the Nelson election, all of the candidates for mayor and the two at-large city council seats reported the same disclosure information, according to Nelson City Clerk Brandy Edwards. Each reported spending $25 to qualify.
Voters will choose a new mayor from candidates David Leister, Councilman James Queen and D. George Smith and two council members from three candidates: incumbent Councilman Willie Pye, Larry Sellers Jr. and Jamey Tamplin.
Advanced voting for all three cities' elections continues from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Friday.
For the Canton and Woodstock races, the polls are at the Cherokee County Elections and Registration Office at 400 E. Main St. in Canton and Woodstock Public Library at 7735 Main St. For the Nelson races, voting is at the Pickens County Elections Office at 50 N. Main St. in Jasper.
Election Day voting is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Canton City Hall for Canton races, Nelson City Hall for Nelson races and Woodstock Public Library for Woodstock races.
For information about Canton and Woodstock elections, call (770) 479-0407 or see the Web site at voter.cherokeega.com; for Nelson elections, call (706) 253-8781.
You need to get your facts correct. Beresford spoke in favor of the 600% increase at the Council meeting. There was no talk about a smaller raise at that meeting.He tried to flip-flop at the Pace Drywall meeting and said he now favors a raise but not as much.Also On the financial disclosures, I do not see one developer who has given a dime to any of the candidates.
Maybe you should pay more attention. Beresford has publicly stated that he is for an adequate increase to be inline with other cities but not in favor of a 600% increase! This issue is just a Trojan horse to distract from the real issues. Besides, there is MUCH more MONEY to be had if the candidates with personal interests in land and development deals are elected!!!!!