Cortez top spender in sheriff race

Mike Cortez's campaign for Hancock County sheriff far outspent its opponents in recent weeks and it appears to have plenty of funds for the final days before the March 19 primary. Cortez's campaign committee had spent $16,031 and had a remaining balance of $8,506, the committee reported earlier this week. Mark Price's campaign committee had spent $9,970 and had a remaining balance of $1,614. Daniel Harmon's campaign committee has spent $7,845 and had a remaining balance of $216, it reported earlier this week. Cortez backers Cortez's committee came into the campaign with a balance of $6,168 and received $17,352 in contributions in recent weeks. The candidate has lent $5,000 to his campaign. Top contributions have been made by Verl Warnimont, $3,000; Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, $2,859, including an in-kind donation of $1,859 worth of fundraiser expenses for an event at Hancock Hotel, and $1,000 cash; and Erik D. Stearns, $2,600. Contributing $2,000 each were Jereme Kent (including $1,000 cash and an in-kind donation of $1,000 worth of webpage design services); and Lisa Helms. Contributions of $1,000 to Cortez's campaign were made by Todd Sopher and Ricki Born Francis. Contributions of $500 were made by Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn's campaign committee, Mark Cortez of St. James, New York, Marsha Harris, Katherine Treadway. Jerry W. Cooke, Lucas Recker, Michael Stearns each contributed $250. Contributions of $200 were made by Thomas Lause, James Hedrick, Brian Williams, Aaron and Heather Granger Living Trust. Michael Arabucki gave $137. Contributions of $100 were made by: Gary Cochran, Pamela Kuch, Barbara Farquharson, Larry Hetrick, Daniel Routzon, Richard Myers, John LaRiche, Robin Reynolds, Rick Stacy, John Whitson, Rosemary Woodward, Cheryl Buckland Manley, Carol Cortez, Linda Cortez, Angela Bateson, Claire Bateson, Adam Rosengarten of Waterville. Other in-kind contributions were made by Amy Cortez, a "Facebook Boost" posts, valued at $415; Dawn Marie Bell, catering and room rental, valued at $100. Expenditures by Cortez's campaign were made for yard signs, $6,231; direct mail campaign, stamps, envelopes, labels, $5,609; billboards and posters, $2,971; pocket teasers and door hangers, $688; an online donation platform, $257; supplies for large campaign sign installation, $154; and other items. Price backers Mark Price's campaign committee has received $4,000 in loans from Nicole Price. Contributions to Price's campaign in recent weeks totaled $6,385. Top contributors were Charles Bills, $1,200; Constance Sprague, $1,000; Kathleen Abbott, Thomas Smith, $500 each; Jessica Heldman-Beck, Philip Huffman, Wanda Oman, $300 each; Nelson Summit, $250; Terry Huffman, $200. Contributions of $100 were made by Lynn Child, Paula Deter, Melynda Hartman, Lois Monday, Ricky Rodabaugh, Charlene Rae Smith, Jay Yeater. Price's campaign spent $5,643 for yard signs; and $1,326 for campaign handouts and stickers. Harmon backers Daniel Harmon's campaign committee entered the campaign season with a balance of $6,935, and it received $1,127 in contributions in recent weeks. Top contributors were: Brian Bishop, $750; James Klausing, $300. Harmon's campaign committee made expenditures for yard signs, $1,973; mailing, $1,520; vinyl banners/car magnets, $1,327; candy, $1,049; printing and postal services for business cards, brochures and doorhangers, $555; screen printing of shirts, $495; Facebook marketing, website and advertising, $323; Halloween Parade entry fee, $293; campaign guitar picks, $233; Jenera Community Building rental, $75.