Ireland, Frisch are top Aspen campaign fundraisers
The Aspen Times
Aspen CO Colorado
ASPEN – Aspen Mayor Mick Ireland and City Council candidate Adam Frisch raised more money than those they are running against during the most recent campaign-finance reporting period, according to campaign report forms turned in to the City Clerk’s Office on Tuesday.
The reporting period started in mid-March and ended last Thursday.
Ireland, who is seeking a third straight term as mayor, raised $3,370 from 42 people. Notable contributors include former Pitkin County Sheriff Bob Braudis, county Commissioner Rachel Richards, Pitkin Democratic Party Chair Blanca O’Leary, Sheriff Joe DiSalvo, Jail Administrator Don Bird, local newspaper columnists Su Lum and Lorenzo Semple, CORE (Community Office for Resource Efficiency) Director Nathan Ratledge, former Mayor Bill Sterling and Planning and Zoning Commissioner Jim DeFrancia.
Ireland faces interim councilwoman and commercial real estate broker Ruth Kruger and former TV and radio talk-show host Andrew Kole in the May 3 election. Kruger has raised $450 from two out-of-state sources and Kole reported no donations. None of the three mayoral candidates reported any expenditures during the latest campaign-finance period.
Meanwhile, the political committee “Sick of Mick,” operated by Ireland critic Elizabeth Milias, raised $2,049, of which $1,618 came from 81 unattributed donations of less than $20. The names of those contributing $19.99 or less can remain anonymous and do not have to be listed in the campaign finance reports. Milias has said she has carried around rolls of pennies in order to make 1 cent of change for those who give her $20 bills.
Milias, who runs the Red Ant political blog, plans to use the money for the purpose of defeating Ireland, not to assist any single candidate. The “Sick of Mick” committee has spent $700, with most of that amount being used to purchase anti-Ireland stickers and yard signs.
Perhaps to mock Milias, two of Ireland’s contributors donated $19.99 to his campaign. However, their names and addresses were listed on the mayor’s report.
In the six-candidate race for City Council, financial specialist Frisch led the way in donations with $3,520 raised from 18 sources. Many of his contributors are connected to the financial-services industry in one way or another.
Frisch spent $4,240 during the recent period, putting his campaign in the red by $720, according to his report. Candidates may continue to raise money until April 26, according to City Clerk Kathryn Koch.
Councilman Steve Skadron raised $2,875. He had $1,409 on hand at the beginning of the period, giving him a campaign war chest of $4,284. However, he has spent $495 toward his campaign, leaving him with $3,789.
Three other council candidates – Scott Writer, Marcia Goshorn and Cliff Weiss – did not report a notable amount of donations or expenditures. L.J. Erspamer’s report was not available as of late Tuesday afternoon.
