Candidates open finances to public
BY MARY PERHAM GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE

BATH - The race for Steuben County sheriff is translating to big spending for the three candidates headed for the Sept. 9 Republican Primary.

According to financial disclosures, county Undersheriff David Cole, 59, has raised more than $38,600 since announcing his candidacy in April.

Former Maryland State Trooper James Waight, 60, and county Chief Deputy Joel Ordway, 45, are nearly tied with more than $21,000 each in contributions.

Cole leads the pack in number of contributors, including $1,500 from the state law enforcement officers union on behalf of county deputies. Other contributions include $600 from Sheriff Richard Tweddell, and $150 from state Assemblyman James Bacalles, R-Corning.

Cole also has bankrolled his campaign to the tune of $14,000.

"I feel a candidate should be able invest in his own campaign if he's asking others to," Cole said.

Waight is financing nearly all of his campaign with $21,000. He has received small contributions totaling $775.

"I came into this whole thing not owing anybody anything," Waight said. "I don't want to owe anyone when it's done."

Ordway's campaign war chest totals slightly more than $21,200.

Ordway said he intends to run a thrifty campaign - just as he pledges to run the department if elected.

"I'm not going to try to outspend them," he said. "I'm not going to put my family in debt at the end of the campaign. It'll be close at the end, but we can do it."

The August disclosure forms created a minor stir when Ordway upset Waight by listing an in-kind contribution of $100 from Local 1000 United Steelworkers of America, based in Corning.

Local 1000 President Michael Walker said a union member hosted a benefit for Ordway the week before Waight was endorsed by local steelworkers, which represent hourly workers at Corning Inc.B

ut the union is prohibited from any cash donation without the approval of the national organization, he said.

While an uncontested election in Steuben County typically costs the candidate and party less than $1,000, contested races can rack up big sums, according to county Republican Party Chairman William Hatch.

Hatch said $50,000 is a reason able campaign budget for the sheriff 's race.

"Mailing fees have about doubled in the past few years, meaning bulk mailings are twice as much," Hatch said Wednesday. "You figure there's an electorate of 30,000, there's $7,500 right there. And then there's the cost of printing the flyers. There's no doubt it costs a lot of money."

The party does not reimburse the winning candidate for any expenses, he said.

Cole's largest expense is nearly $17,000 for political consultations from Kolpien

Associates, of Corning, and his campaign manager Peter Halliday. His total campaign expenses amount to roughly $35,000.

Ordway's costs amount to $16,000 so far and include printing, signage, fundraiser materials and contributions to others campaigns.

Waight's expenses amount to $9,700 and include advertising, signage and contributions to the Republican Party.

The spending is likely to go on after the primary, with all three candidates securing spots on the Conservative party line. Ordway and Cole are also running on the Independence party ballot.

The winner of the Republican Primary will receive some party funds to continue the battle, Hatch said.

"We will step up to the plate," Hatch said. "But the candidate had better come up with a budget."