It's always a hot topic during a race.
That is, which candidate has raised money? How much? And from where?
It's early in the process, of course.
But an early snapshot of what is expected to be a hot race comes from the campaign filing of Elk Grove City Council candidate Steve Detrick, who is challenging Councilman Michael Leary for the District 3 seat in November.
Detrick and his wife, Jan, have loaned a combined $107,432 to the campaign, Friends of Steve Detrick, during the first half of this calendar year.
"I'm trying to show that I'm committed to winning the election," Detrick said when asked about it. "If I'm going to ask my friends and family … to invest in this venture, I think I need to, too."
The loans, he said, mean that he doesn't owe victory to anyone "other than voters."
Leary, on the council since the city incorporated in July 2000, is seeking his third four-year term.
Katherine Maestas, challenging incumbent Sophia Scherman in District 5, has opened her campaign headquarters next to the Elk Grove Brewery in Old Town Elk Grove.
And Councilman Jim Cooper is seeking re-election in District 1, so far without any apparent opposition.
All five – Cooper, Scherman, Leary, Maestas and Detrick – have filed notices of their intention to run.
Any other candidates have until 5 p.m. Aug. 8 to declare their intentions.
In Galt, City Councilwoman Barbara Payne said she is seeking another term. Councilman Tim Raboy also is running. Both said they have pulled papers for filing.
Incumbents facing re-election for the Cosumnes Community Services District board plan to run: Gil Albiani, Gerald Derr and Doug McElroy.
Sandi Russell says she'll run, too.
And Elk Grove resident Michelle Orrock is said to be in the running, according to Web site, www.elk-grove.com. She chaired the city of Elk Grove's Charter Exploratory and Election Reform Committee in 2007.
Russell's candidacy, meanwhile, means she is departing from the Florin Resource Conservation District governing board.
Ditto incumbent Harry Riebe, who is said not to be seeking re-election to the conservation district board.
Two people are thinking about pursuing the vacancies.
Chuck Dawson and Dave Engel already are associate directors for the district, which means they've been tracking its issues.
Topics in most meetings are tied to the Elk Grove Water Service, which the Florin district governs.
If Dawson and Engel opt in – and there are no other bidders – they might not have to run for the seats.
Two years ago, three candidates were sworn in sans election. There was no opposition then, district authorities said, and no need to place them on a ballot.
Call The Bee's Loretta Kalb, (916) 478-2641.
