In the Metro Council’s at-large races, all five incumbent members accumulated impressive fundraising totals over the past financial disclosure period, with At-large Councilwoman Megan Barry leading in cash-on-hand totals.
Barry, who chairs the council’s Budget and Finance Committee, has $59,426 on hand after netting $33,291 over the last quarter. She spent $36,543 last quarter.
All candidates running for Metro offices this August were required to report their fundraising totals on Monday to the Davidson County Election Commission. Dollars reported were collected between April and June 30.
Councilman Ronnie Steine raised the most funds among at-large candidates prior to the June 30 cut-off date, collecting $39,986. Steine has $38,657 on hand. He spent $40,803 last quarter.
Meanwhile, At-large Councilman Jerry Maynard — who did not drop off a financial disclosure to the commission — told The City Paper he raised $64,691 last period and has $38,479 currently on hand.
However, Maynard said he opted to count dollars that were collected after June 30, presumably to highlight funds collected at a July 8 fundraising event Mayor Karl Dean hosted.
The other two at-large incumbents — Tim Garrett and Charlie Tygard — also showed solid numbers. Garrett raised $31,249 over the past quarter, putting him with $25,011 on hand.
Rounding out the pack, Tygard has more than $29,000 on hand.
Since June 30, Barry and Steine have already unveiled television commercials, as has attorney Renard Francois.
Francois did not file his financial disclosure to the election commission before it closed on Monday but said his treasurer had postmarked and mailed Monday. He said he raised more than $33,000 last quarter and has an estimated $34,000 on hand.
Francois noted an upcoming fundraiser hosted by local businessman Bill Freeman and former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike McWherter.
Other at-large council candidate financial figures are as follows:
Metro Councilwoman Vivian Wilhoite raised $16,283. She has $14,490 on hand.
Ken Jakes raised $11,841. He has $7,905 on hand, and also reported an $18,000 self-loan.
Metro Councilman Sam Coleman raised $5,550 and has $3,515 on hand.
Metro Councilman Eric Crafton, another at-large candidate who figures to be competitive this election, did not return his disclosure to the commission.