Official Findlay Filings Reveal Political Slants?
FINDLAY - In the fight for Findlay city council seats, much has been said about some candidates being bankrolled by elitist interests. Now, recent campaign finance filings have further solidified that many candidates in the race have been funded by special interests.
Filing reports obtained by the Courier publication revealed that candidates outlined in the previously distributed letter from Mary Hammond were, in fact, also funded by Hammond and others, lending further credence to the notion that the candidates outlined are, indeed, bankrolled by special interests in Findlay. However, while this revelation was not shocking, others within the piece were. According to the Courier article, it was revealed Democratic candidate Shaun Mason, who is running for Ward 3, was a major donor for Republican candidate Brody Yingling. Questions have been raised about the legitimacy of Yingling’s conservative allegiance given his Democrat donor.
According to the Courier, Candidate for Council At Large Brad Wagner has expended the most funds of any other candidate, to the tune of $4,000. Some critics of Wagner have questioned the nature of spending $4,000 for a part time position that earns roughly $9,000 a year. Those critics have stated concerns over Wagner’s potential conflict of interest in supporting the new $40,000,000 park initiative as Wagner owns property near where the park will be constructed, which could lead to a significant increase in personal property value from the taxpayers’ dime.
It remains to be seen where Findlay will fall with its choice for council members. However, if one follows the money, it should be evident where candidates will land on major issues impacting Findlay.
