Basalt candidates detail campaign spending

BASALT – Basalt mayoral candidate Jacque Whitsitt has collected $2,985 in campaign contributions for her bid in a town that’s traditionally had low-key spending on its political races.

Whitsitt reported collecting $1,200 during the most recent reporting period, which covered March 14 through 30. She collected $1,785 during an earlier period, which ended March 13, according to documents filed with the town clerk.

Through March 30, Whitsitt reported spending $962.44, leaving her with more than $2,000 for the final days of the campaign. The election is Tuesday.

Whitsitt’s opponent in the mayoral race, Glenn Rappaport, collected $78.98 through both reporting periods.

In the race for three council seats, four of five candidates reported they weren’t seeking contributions. Rick Stevens reported no contributions or spending through the campaign. Lemuel Bolanos reported no contributions or spending through March 13. He didn’t submit a new campaign finance report on Friday for the latest period.

Candidate Herschel Ross’ reports indicated he didn’t collect contributions but spent $357.29 on printing of materials and a yard sign.

Candidate Robert Leavitt collected $85 in nonmonetary contributions, which usually indicates donated work or services. He had no monetary contributions. Leavitt reported spending $102.83.

Candidate Bill Maron collected $1,150 in contributions and spent $1,067, primarily on newspaper advertisements. His contributors were Jacque Whitsitt, $100; Anne Freedman, a Basalt councilwoman, $50; and Peter Welles, who has a Maryland address, for $1,000.

In the mayoral race, Rappaport’s report said he accepted donations of $19.99 or less, so he wasn’t required to reveal the donors.

Whitsitt’s report for March 14 through 30 reported the following contributors: Ann Stephenson, Basalt, $100; Freedman, $100; Julie Fox-Rubin, Basalt, $100; Sue Mozian, Basalt, $50; Erika Leavitt, Basalt, $50; Virginia Parker, Basalt, $100; Brenda Stern, Basalt, $275; Margaret McLaughlin, Basalt, $50; Bernie Grauer, Basalt, $50; another contribution from Freedman of $100; Gerald Kaplan, Basalt, $25; and Robin Kert, Basalt, $200.

From the earlier report, for the period ending March 13, Whitsitt’s contributors were: Anne Freedman, Basalt, $100; Monroe Summers, Basalt, $200; Lisa Lowsky, Basalt, $25; Carole Hershey, Glenwood Springs, $25; Dick Hollander, Basalt, $100; Dorothea Farris, Carbondale, $100; Bruce Benjamin, Basalt, $50; Kim Chang, Basalt, $50; Rachel Richards, Aspen, $75; Tom and Terri Newland, Basalt, $200; Julie Fox-Rubin, Basalt, $100; Carla Peltonen, Basalt, $25; Andrew Wiessner, Snowmass, $50; and Bee Poh, Aspen, $200.