How much does a winning mayoral run cost? Morgan spent $195K
CBC
London Mayor Josh Morgan spent $195,330 on his campaign last year, with most of the money coming in the form of $1,200 individual donations from contributors that included some of the Forest City's movers and shakers in politics and business.
Morgan's campaign financial statements were filed on Friday, the deadline for all council candidates to submit them to the city clerk's office.
Morgan's audited statement, which you can read here, lists all donors who contributed more than $100. The documents also show how the candidates spent the money.
The main categories of spending in Morgan's campaign were:
The amount spent by Morgan's campaign fell well within the $243,898.60 spending limit for mayoral candidates. It was also about four times the amount spent by second-place finisher Khalil Ramal, who spent a little more than $48,000.
Ed Holder spent $197,641.49 in his 2018 mayoral run, in what was a much closer race against main contenders Paul Paolatto and Tanya Park. Drew Dilkens spent just over $143,000 to get re-elected to his third term as Windsor's mayor.
Individual donors are allowed to give up to $1,200 to any mayoral or council candidate.
Morgan's finance documents list more than 200 individual contributors.
Those who gave the maximum $1,200 contribution include Shmuel Farhi of Farhi Holdings Corp. one of London's largest property owners.
Nine members of the Soufan Family contributed $1,200 each including York Developments president Ali Soufan.
Five members of the Meddoui family, including Westdell Developments Corp. president Iyman Meddoui also each donated $1,200 to Morgan's mayoral run. Developers Richard Sifton ($1,200), Alan Drewlo ($1,000) and Adam Carapella of Tricar Developments ($1,200) also made donations.
Interestingly, numerous local politicians also gave money to the Morgan campaign. Former councillers who contributed include Mariam Hamou ($1,200) and Cheryl Miller ($250). Former mayor Gord Hume contributed $300. London North Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos gave $1,200 to the Morgan campaign.
Members of Morgan's campaign team also contributed, including Ryan Gauss ($1,200) and former city clerk Cathy Saunders ($1,200) and former city manager Martin Hayward ($500). Gauss was recently voted by a council committee to fill a vacant seat on the Police Services Board. Coun. Shawn Lewis gave $150 to the Morgan campaign.
Finance reports for the council candidates were also due for filing on Friday and many of the same names came up in their lists of donators.
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