GARY SHUMWAY for Summit County Council

My initial analysis of the Campaign Financial Reports for those vying for a seat on the Summit County Council shows the overwhelming amount of money donated to the Democrats and the essentially self-funded campaigns of the Constitution and Republican party candidates (note: Steve Weinstein (D) did self fund his campaign).

The fact that the four (Elliott, McMullin, Hanrahan, and Robinson) Democrats received donations of some $44,000 vs the some $4,000 for the Republicans and $0 for the Constitution Party is remarkable! Why the stark difference?

Republican State Representative and Senate candidates seem to be able to attract donations (though I have not specifically looked into where they come, though I do know a good portion comes from outside Summit County). Did the Republicans for County Council just not try or did they come up essentially dry when they asked. I know the Constitution Party candidate did not ask for any donations and I know Alison Pitt and Thomas Hurd also just self-funded their campaigns. David Ure who was the State Representative for the district for years was able to pull in about $2,000 in donations but that amount pales to even the lowest Democrat fund raiser (John Hanrahan with nearly $8,000 in donations).

Since some 99% of the Democrat donations came from addresses in Park City, Heber, Midway, SLC, or out of state (essentially all from the West side of the County). One can sympathize with the East side when they get concerned about the enthusiasm level of the representation they are going to be getting on the Council if the Democrats control the Council.

As to specific candidates and their take from the largess of the West side, Chris Robinson had $11,585 in donations from 30 donors received, on average, of $386 per donor. Sally Elliott had $15,630 in donations from 60 donors or a more modest $260 per donor. John Hanrahan pocketed $7,780 from 39 donors or $199 per donor while Claudia McMullin had $9,375 from 75 donors or $125 per donor.

At $386 per donor, Chris Robinson either got some pretty hefty funding from those contributing to his campaign or a few donors are really bankrolling his efforts. Looking at his financial report we find three donations for $1,000 or more and eight contributions of between $500 and $999. Power to the people! Yeah, right.

If the Democrats sweep the Council election, it will be $44,000 well spent. We will have to wait and see if this translates into the voice of all the Summit County residents actually being heard. The East side better get out and vote November 4th. Money alone does not ensure success at the ballot box, but if the voice of all the people isn't heard, it will.