Candidates for Trumbull County offices report finances
WARREN — Pre-general election campaign finance reports filed with the Trumbull County Board of Elections reveal spending details across multiple races.
The Friends of Randy Smith reported $25,879.02 carried over from the last report and raised $88,841.44 in monetary contributions, bringing total available funds to $114,720.46. Smith reported $99,466.34 in expenditures, leaving a balance on hand of $15,254.12.
Smith’s committee received a $35,000 contribution from Smith himself. Two loans totaling $25,000 were provided by Angela Smith of Hoffman Circle, Warren. An Oct. 15 fundraiser contributed $25,170 to the campaign.
Among the incumbent’s biggest expenses was a $57,498 payment to Two Ticks and the Dog Productions for advertising. Another $8,456 went to City Printing in Youngstown for literature and postage.
Smith’s report did not list any in-kind contributions, but it showed $130,954.30 in outstanding loans, with no additional debts.
David DeChristofaro’s committee reported $10,854.74 carried over from the last report and received $37,357 in monetary contributions, along with $5,000 in other income, totaling $53,211.74 in available funds. The committee reported $49,084.89 in expenditures, leaving $4,126.85 on hand.
DeChristofaro’s campaign received five non-fundraising contributions, the largest being $10,000 from John F. Cafaro of Strimbu Drive, Brookfield. DeChristofaro also loaned his campaign $5,000.
Major expenditures included:
* $9,000 to Youngstown Lettershop for postcards
* $6,000 to Capable for digital advertising
* $5,567 to Capitol Promotions Inc. for yard signs
* $5,000 to the Ohio Republican Party for postcard distribution
The report shows $17,500.00 in outstanding loans, with no outstanding debts owed to the committee.
Smith’s campaign significantly outpaced DeChristofaro’s in contributions and overall funds, raising $88,841.44 compared to $37,357 for DeChristofaro, a difference of $51,484.44. Smith also reported $130,954.30 in loans, compared to DeChristofaro’s $17,500.
TRUMBULL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Hubbard Township Trustee Rick Hernandez, a Republican, seeks to defeat former Trumbull County Commissioner Dan Polivka, a Democrat, for one of two commissioner seats. Hernandez reported $2,998 carried over and $4,135 in contributions, bringing available funds to $7,133.
Hernandez’s campaign listed 30 contributions, including:
* $1,000 from John J. Cafaro of Strimbu Drive, Brookfield.
* $500 from the Trumbull County Republican Women’s Club.
* $500 from Joseph Kerola of Ravine Drive, Hubbard.
Hernandez reported $7,383 in expenditures, with the largest being $3,605 to iHeartMedia for campaign ads. Victory Store in Davenport received $1,459 for campaign signs. Hernandez reported $7,330 in outstanding debts but no loans owed by the campaign.
Polivka’s campaign carried over $12,600 and received $12,945 in contributions, totaling $25,545 in available funds. Polivka’s largest contribution was $11,945 from a fundraising event, followed by $1,000 from Sam Covelli, CEO of Covelli Enterprises. Polivka reported $16,834 in expenditures, including:
* $5,075 to Lamar Outdoor Advertising in Girard.
* $3,368 to the Tribune Chronicle for advertising.
* $2,500 to the Trumbull County Democratic Party.
* $2,616 to Capital Promotions Inc.
* $1,208 for fundraising expenses.
Polivka reported no outstanding loans or debts.
SHERIFF’S RACE
Incumbent Sheriff Paul Monroe reported $123,749 carried over and $6,200 in contributions. Key contributors included Bruce Zoldan of Youngstown with $5,000 and Steven A. Friedman of East Market Street, Warren, with $1,000.
Monroe reported $84,450 in expenditures, with major payments to:
* Two Ticks and the Dog Productions for $47,000 in advertising.
* $2,500 and $5,000 for additional advertising with the same company.
* $2,500 to the Trumbull County Democratic Party.
* $3,618 to Impression Media for signs and decals.
* $5,972 to Printer’s Edge for promotional items.
Monroe reported a $1,500 outstanding loan, but no other debts.
His challenger, Michael Wilson, a former state trooper, carried over $1,565 and raised $46,095 in contributions, totaling $47,660. Wilson reported $13,425 in expenditures, including:
* $4,880 paid to himself for reimbursement.
* $300 to the Engler campaign for a billboard.
* $145 reimbursed to the county Republicans.
* $50 to the campaign of Sarah Kovoor, who is running for a judge seat.
Wilson’s on-hand balance at the time of filing was $34,235.
COMMON PLEAS JUDGE RACE
The Committee to Elect Christopher P. Becker reported $32,110 carried over and $47,700 in new contributions, totaling $79,810. However, Becker’s aggressive spending left only $2,384 on hand after $45,315 in expenditures.
Significant contributions included:
* $2,000 from Betras, Kopp, Markota LLC of Boardman.
* $10,300 from Raymond Buhala via PayPal.
* $2,500 from the Trumbull County Democratic Party.
* $2,500 paid to the Trumbull County Democratic Party for coordinated campaign fees.
* $1,040.52 to City Printing Company for palm pass-out cards.
* $3,721.05 to Chaser Postcards and Mailing Service.
Becker’s opponent, Sara Kovoor, did not submit her campaign finance report by the deadline of 4 p.m. Thursday.