Whalen Leads Campaign Money Race

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Robert Whalen

Laguna Beach City Council challenger Robert Whalen’s cash hoard as of June 30 stands at $38,374, possibly the fattest treasury among candidates seeking election in November, according to campaign disclosure statements released Tuesday.

Incumbent Verna Rollinger’s campaign treasurer reported the second largest balance of $31,983 in the most recent filing period, but the report shows she outpaced Whalen in total fundraising with $52,000 in contributions to his $45,414.

Candidate Steve Dicterow, seeking to return to public office after deciding not to seek re-election in 2006, said he intended to file the required disclosures on Thursday, two days after the deadline. He said he could not estimate contributions to his campaign or cash on hand, saying the bookkeeper had the figures.

Supporters of the town’s current mayor, Jane Egly, reported $9,315 in her treasury and collecting $17,447 in contributions since Jan. 1.

Village Laguna, a group whose supporters champion village character and in the past have purchased campaign advertising in support of like-minded candidates, reported cash on hand of $8,437. Four years ago, Village Laguna provided support to Rollinger, who is a Village Laguna member, and Egly.

Verna Rollinger.

Village Laguna’s Treasurer Richard Picheny reported that the group also spent more than half its cash, $12,000, on a survey conducted by Aptos’s Gene Bregman & Associates. In June, the Indy reported that the poll of Laguna Beach residents appeared to be gauging support for two local residents who are not declared candidates for the upcoming City Council election.

Citizens for Preservation of Open Space, whose treasurer is also Picheny, reported $1,300 on hand.

A local open-space initiative on the November ballot, promoted by open-space advocate and Indy columnist Ann Christoph, will ask voters to approve a 20-year parcel tax to finance the purchase of undeveloped lots within city limits.

The Laguna Beach Police Employee’s Association political action committee reported a balance of $875 and spending two-thirds of its contributions on Sacramento attorney Wayne Ordos, also the committee’s treasurer.

Candidate Steve Dicterow.

In an earlier interview, police association president Larry Bammer said he intended to interview city council candidates prior to possibly making an endorsement. So far, the association has yet to disclose a decision.

First-time candidate Deputy City Clerk Lisette Chel-Walker is unopposed in her bid for elected office. She reported receiving $4,493 in contributions and $2,755 on hand for the campaign ahead.

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