Campaign Finance Reports Released | News, Sports, Jobs

WARREN — Advance general election campaign finance reports filed with the Trumbull County Board of Elections reveal spending details in several races.

Friends of Randy Smith reported $25,879.02 carried over from last report and raised $88,841.44 in monetary contributions, bringing total available funds to $114,720.46. Smith reported expenses of $99,466.34, leaving a balance on hand of $15,254.12.

Smith’s committee received a $35,000 contribution from Smith himself. Two loans totaling $25,000 were made by Angela Smith of Hoffman Circle, Warren. An Oct. 15 fundraiser contributed $25,170 to the campaign.

Among Smith’s biggest expenses was a $57,498 payment to Two Ticks and Dog Productions for advertising. Another $8,456 went to City Printing in Youngstown for literature and postage.

Smith’s report listed no in-kind contributions but showed $130,954.30 in outstanding loans with no additional debt.

David DeChristofaro’s committee reported $10,854.74 carried over from the last report and received $37,357 in cash contributions, along with $5,000 in other income, for a total of $53,211.74 in available funds. The committee reported expenditures of $49,084.89, leaving $4,126.85 on hand.

DeChristofaro’s campaign received five non-fundraising contributions, the largest of which was $10,000 from John F. Cafaro of Strimbu Drive, Brookfield. DeChristofaro also loaned his campaign $5,000.

Major expenses included:

* $9,000 to Youngstown Lettershop for postcards

* $6,000 for Digital Advertising Capacity

* $5,567 to Capitol Promotions Inc. for yard signs

* $5,000 to Ohio Republican Party for postcard distribution

The report shows outstanding loans of $17,500.00 with no outstanding debt owed to the committee.

Smith’s campaign significantly outpaced DeChristofaro’s in contributions and general funds, raising $88,841.44 compared to DeChristofaro’s $37,357, a difference of $51,484.44. Smith also reported $130,954.30 in loans, compared to DeChristofaro’s $17,500.

TRUMBULL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Hubbard Township Trustee Rick Hernandez, a Republican, is seeking to defeat former Trumbull County Commissioner Dan Polivka, a Democrat, for one of two commissioner seats. Hernandez reported $2,998 carried over and $4,135 in contributions, bringing the available funds to $7,133.

Hernandez’s campaign listed 30 contributions, including:

* $1,000 from John J. Cafaro of Strimbu Drive, Brookfield.

* $500 from the Trumbull County Republican Women’s Club.

* $500 from Joseph Kerola of Ravine Drive, Hubbard.

Hernandez reported spending of $7,383, the largest of which was $3,605 to iHeartMedia for campaign ads. The Victory Store in Davenport received $1,459 for campaign signs. Hernandez reported $7,330 in outstanding debt, but no campaign loans.

Polivka’s campaign brought in more than $12,600 and received $12,945 in contributions, totaling $25,545 in available funds. Polivka’s largest contribution was $11,945 from a fundraising event, followed by $1,000 from Sam Covelli, CEO of Covelli Enterprises. Polivka reported expenses of $16,834, including:

* $5,075 for Lamar Outdoor Advertising in Girard.

* $3,368 to the Tribune Chronicle for advertising.

* $2,500 to the Trumbull County Democratic Party.

* $2,616 for Capital Promotions Inc.

* $1,208 for fundraising expenses.

Polivka reported no outstanding loans or debts.

THE SHERIFF’S RACE

Incumbent Sheriff Paul Monroe reported $123,749 in carry-overs and $6,200 in contributions. Key contributors included Bruce Zoldan of Youngstown with $5,000 and Steven A. Friedman of East Market Street, Warren, with $1,000.

Monroe reported expenses of $84,450, with major payments to:

* Two Ticks and the Dog Productions for $47,000 in advertising.

* $2,500 and $5,000 for additional advertising with the same company.

* $2,500 to the Trumbull County Democratic Party.

* $3,618 for Impression Media for signs and decals.

* $5,972 for Printer’s Edge for promotional items.

Monroe reported a loan of $1,500, but no other debts.

His challenger, Michael Wilson, a former state trooper, hauled in more than $1,565 and raised $46,095 in contributions, for a total of $47,660. Wilson reported expenses of $13,425, including:

* $4,880 paid for refund.

* $300 to the Engler campaign for a billboard.

* $145 refunded to county Republicans.

* $50 to the campaign of Sarah Kovoor, who is running for judge.

Wilson’s available balance at the time of filing was $34,235.

COMMON REASON JUDGE CURSA

The Committee to Elect Christopher P. Becker reported $32,110 carried over and $47,700 in new contributions, for a total of $79,810. However, Becker’s aggressive spending left only $2,384 on hand after $45,315 in expenses.

Significant contributions included:

* $2,000 from Betras, Kopp, Markota LLC of Boardman.

* $10,300 from Raymond Buhala via PayPal.

* $2,500 from the Trumbull County Democratic Party.

* $2,500 paid to the Trumbull County Democratic Party for coordinated campaign fees.

* $1,040.52 to City Printing Company for palm tree cards.

* $3,721.05 for Postcards and mail service.

Becker’s opponent, Sara Kovoor, did not file her campaign finance report by Thursday’s 4 p.m. deadline.