Members of the Baltimore County Council ? many long-time incumbents who rarely face serious challengers ? have developed hefty war chests they say allow them to have fun during the campaign season.
Campaign funds range from District 2 Council Member Kevin Kamenetz?s $360,00 to $18,000 for District 4 Council Member Ken Oliver, the only member serving his first term.
Members said the difference depends on whether or not they were contested the previous election and the wealth of their constituents.
Six of the council?s seven members have served at least 12 years, but that doesn?t stop Joe Bartenfelder, D-District 6, from knocking on doors three times a week during the height of campaign season.
“To me, every election is a new election,” Bartenfelder said. “New people move into the district and for the people that have been there, you want to show them you don?t take anything for granted.”
Senior-most Council Member Vince Gardina, D-District 5, said he?s never “been big” on fundraising and blamed his modest funds this year on a contested race last year and now.
He said his recent zoning legislation has sacrificed potential donations from developers.
Last election, his fourth, he gave himself a $13,000 loan to subsidize donations.
“It doesn?t come easily,” he said.
Voters in Catonsville can?t afford to give as much to District 1 Council Member Sam Moxley, he said, compared to what Pikesville voters give to Kamenetz.
Meanwhile, Moxley said the cost of campaigning including signs and mailings have increased ? he spent $800 alone on the freight of yard signs this week, he said.
He said he prefers to host “fun” raisers as opposed to fundraisers.
“I think I will end up spending more this year than I?ve ever spent,” he said. “What I used to spend $5,000 on is now costing me $10,000, if not more.”
