COLONIE — George Scaringe, the Republican challenger, raised more than twice as much money as incumbent Supervisor Paula Mahan, according to the July periodic report filed with the state Board of Elections.
But, the two have about the same amount in their campaign coffers as the election begins to hear up with Mahan having $32,421 and Scaringe $33,530.
Mahan is in her sixth term in office and was first elected in 2007, and carried over $23,723 into the July report in addition to the $18,160 raised.
Scaringe, is making his first run for public office but has been involved in GOP politics for decades, reported $43,879 in contributions.
“Momentum is growing for change in Colonie. Residents are tired of crumbling roads, bad development deals and horrible traffic congestion and is shows in the groundswell of donations to my campaign,” he said in a statement.
Nearly $7,000 came from the Scaringe family. Kim Scaringe donated $2,000, Christopher Scaringe donated $3,000 each, Michael Scaringe donated $720 and Frank Scaringe donated $150.
Also, George Scaringe loaned his campaign $2,000.
He raised $34,139 from independent contributors with the majority of those donating $300 or less. Some larger donations include: $2,500 from Suzanne Zilka, $2,500 from Timothy Zilka and $1,000 each from Steven Aquino, Thomas Santa Barbara and Ray Milnarick.
Under “other monetary” he received $5,700 including $2,500 from BBL PAC and $1,000 from Capasso & Associates.
He spent a total of $10,349 including $2,430 for a fundraiser at the Century House and $1,596 for a fundraiser at Wolfert’s Roost.
Mahan raised $10,470 from independent contributors with most being $300 or less. Peter Stuto, the Planning Board chairman, donated $750.
She raised $1,250 from corporations including $1,000 from Frank Kiepura & Associates and $6,440 under “other monetary” including $2,500 from Tech East Fire and Water Restoration and $2,000 from Hodorowski Homes.
Mahan spent $9,461 including $1,792 for a fundraiser at the Latham Fire Department and she made a $1,000 contribution to the Albany County Independence Party.
“I’ve been busy at work and have been focusing on that so I haven’t gotten into any fundraising yet,” Mahan said. “My focus is on getting the job done, that is my main concern and my responsibility. In the spare time I will focus on the campaign.”
The race for supervisor in one of the largest towns in the state could hit the six-figure mark this year.
The Colonie Democratic Party had an opening balance of $15,391 and raised $6,535, from January to July for a balance of $21,726.
The Colonie Republican Party candidates’ account had an opening balance of $14,970. It raised $8,821 and spent $11,640 according to the July report. The party also has a housekeeping account which had a little more than $13,000 in January. The party did not file a July periodic report for that account with the state Board of Elections by the July 15 deadline.
The next financial filing is due in October, 32 days before the November election.
