There are post-election decisions to be made.
Candidates from the 2020 Wilton Manors municipal election have until February to file their final campaign treasurer report. City Clerk Faith Lombardo said candidates must show how they dispersed surplus funds in their termination report, per state rules. Candidates can use any remaining money to pay staff, loans, debt, close offices, purchase thank you advertising or donate to charities.
The termination report is due 75 days after the election.
According to the most recent campaign treasurer reports ending Oct. 29 all Wilton Manors candidates were running profitable campaigns.
Former Commissioner Julie Carson had $8,999.99 in her campaign account for mayor. Carson said she is donating all of her surplus funds to charity and has already given to Equality Florida and the Pride Center.
“I am committed to donating to the Sculptures on the Drive project; and probably the balance to organizations based in helping Wilton Manors prosper,” Carson said, adding she has about $800 left with “no plans this week for another campaign.”
Newly elected Mayor Scott Newton is showing a balance of $4,768.40 in his last campaign treasurer report and challenger Josie Smith-Malave had $413.99 on hand.
In the commission race, newly elected Commissioner Mike Bracchi had $4,435.58 followed by Doug Blevins $3,730.65, newly elected Commissioner Chris Caputo $2,535.77, Jason Basilico $2,390.69, Joe Sansome $2,147.60 and Juan Melecio $43.08.
Bracchi said he had yet to make a decision where his surplus funds would go, while Blevins said he is giving his remaining campaign balance to the Wilton Drive Improvement District’s tree project.
“I’ve got about $2,000 left and it will go to the Drive’s tree project,” Blevins said. “I also plan on running for office again.”
Blevins, a realtor and vice chairman of the WDID, came in third in the six-person commission race, receiving 2,230 votes for nearly 20% of the vote.
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