by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Mayor John Peyton may not have any opposition but anyone thinking about running against him better consider where they’d get their money.
Peyton’s campaign chairman Mike Hightower will deliver Peyton’s second quarterly finance report to the Supervisor of Elections Office today with two significant numbers — another $243,530 that brings Peyton’s total to a whopping $1.1 million during the first six months of fundraising.
“That’s a record for municipal elections in the state of Florida in the first six months,” said Hightower, a lobbyist for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida.
The total contributors to date exceeds 2,600 people and includes some big names: CSX Chairman Michael Ward, Cameron Kuhn of the Kuhn Companies, developer Carlton Jones, orthodontist Lew Klechak and Jacksonville Aviation Authority board member Charles Spencer, among others.
Hightower said the fundraising goal the first two quarters was $1 million and the fact the total exceeds that goal is reflective of the effort of the finance committee.
“The finance team has totally exceeded expectations,” said Hightower. “They are committed and dedicated. When we said the goal was $1 million, they got the message out and have exceeded those expectations.
“The mayor and I are so appreciative that they did that. They kept pushing and got it done. They were committed to the goal and stuck with it.”
Peyton agreed.
“This continued demonstration of support for our efforts on behalf of the City of Jacksonville is gratifying and I deeply appreciate the confidence of the people who have invested in our vision for the community,” said Peyton. “My dedication to our city and my commitment to serving the people of Jacksonville will not waiver as we work toward fulfilling the promise of our great city.”
Hightower also said he’s particularly proud of the finance team’s ability to hold down expenses.
“We have spent less than $45,000 and that has been for staff, rent and utilities,” he said.
In addition to setting a goal of $1 million in the first six months of fundraising, Hightower said the finance team also concentrated on getting the $500 maximum contribution from as many Peyton backers as possible. Fundraising will continue, he said, but not with the same urgency.
“We will now go after the smaller contributors. I had a lot of people who said, ‘I can’t give you $500 now, but I can give you $200 later.’ That’s who we will concentrate on now,” said Hightower.
All finance reports for all local elections are due by 5 p.m. today in the elections office. The next quarterly reports are due July 10 and qualifying for the April 10, 2007 election runs Feb. 20-27, 2007.