While Chris Schmenk garnered more than 70 percent of the vote in November’s election for Union County Commissioner, it was her opponent, Tiffanie Roberts, who spent more money.
State law requires nearly every candidate or issue committee to file finance reports cataloging donations and expenses.
“Our democratic system calls for full disclosure and transparency in campaign contribution filings,” Jon Husted, Ohio Secretary of State wrote in a letter to candidates. “The success of our democracy depends on all involved being aware of and playing by the rules.”
According to campaign finance reports filed recently with the Union County Board of Elections, Roberts spent $9,943 through the 2018 general election. That’s more than $1.44 spent for each of the 6,889 votes she received.
Schmenk, who earned 16,541 votes, spent $8,921 in the general election. She spent 53 cents per vote.
She brought $732 from her primary campaign into the general election. Her campaign received $9,877 in contributions.
According to the reports, Roberts brought $5,564 from her primary campaign into the general election cycle. During the general election period, she raised $4,383 in contributions and other income.
Schmenk’s reports list donations from the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 19, The Matriots, Build PAC of Central Ohio, Columbus Building and Constriction Trades Council, the law firm of Bricker and Eckler where she works and Pelanda for Ohio. Most of her donations from private individuals came from inside Union County.
According to the reports, much of Roberts’ money came from the Jerome Township and Dublin area or from outside the county.
The report details a $250 check written to the Monarch Quarterback Club that was returned by the organization for because it was “unable to approve.”
The Citizens for Schools Committee and the Support Your Library Levy Committee also filed reports locally.
The committee for Marysville schools has been in existence since 2005 and brought $8,899 into its campaign to pass a pair of levies. During the campaign, the committee raised $7,643 and spent $12,414.
The committee received donations from Central OEA/NEA, the Monarch Diamond Club, MSA Architects, Honda Marysville, Goodwin Services LLC, as well as dozens of individuals, mostly inside the district, according to the reports.
Both levies passed, one by a large margin and the other was close.
The library support committee raised $4,995, receiving contributions from Friends of the Marysville Public Library and Library Design Associates as well as from private individuals.
The group spent $3,943. Voters approved the library levy.
Candidates for state representative in the 86th District file their Campaign Finance Reports in Marion County because it is the most populous county in the district. Board of Elections Officials in Marion County said those reports have been filed, but are not ready for inspection.
Staff members at the Union County Board of Elections office said while the reports have been filed, they are not official until the board accepts them.