Duluth School Board candidates haven't been big spenders this campaign season.
At Large candidate Mike Miernicki has spent the most, but he also received the most, according to his campaign financial report filed Friday. Of the roughly $4,700 he spent, more than half of that went to radio advertising, with the rest going to signs and other campaign literature. His opponent, Ryan Stauber, spent about $1,000 less than Miernicki.
The lowest spender was 3rd District candidate Jon Donahue, who spent about $800 on signs and printed material, including $200 from his own pocket.
"I just don't think it should cost that much to run a campaign. There's so much money in politics," he said. "It's hard for me to ask people for money. It was a one-man show."
Donahue's opponent, Bill Westholm, was also a low spender who didn't spend any of his own money.
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"I didn't need a primary and I think that was a major contributor to keeping expenses down," he said. "I also wasn't running a citywide campaign," like the At Large candidates.
Second District candidate Loren Martell, who might have the most lawn signs, spent roughly $3,000. Nearly $1,200 of that went to those signs.
His opponent, Judy Seliga Punyko, spent $1,750, about half of what she received. The bulk of her spending went to signs and campaign literature.
As for contributor trends, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees gave $300 each to Miernicki, Seliga Punyko and Westholm. School Board member Art Johnston gave $300 each to Donahue, Martell and Stauber.
