Farr Leads Pappas in 3rd District Campaign Donations

Campaign races are often all about the money, and in the race to replace 3rd District Supervisor Brooks Firestone this fall, Doreen Farr still leads Steve Pappas in that category.

With the powerful backing of the South Coast political machine, Farr brought in $169,593 since July 1, bringing her grand total to about $543,403. Pappas brought in $67,105 over the last three months, for a total of roughly $342,601. Both have begun to put that money toward advertising on television and radio.

Farr spent $50,638 this cycle, and still has $137,060 in the bank. She also has $5,000 in outstanding debt. Pappas spent $39,242 this cycle, and has a $28,543 balance remaining, with a roughly $50,000 debt to himself.

Many familiar names pop up among the 176 cited on Farr’s contribution sheets this cycle, including Goleta City Council candidate Margaret Connell, Environmental Defense Center attorney Linda Krop, former Santa Barbara Mayor Sheila Lodge, current Santa Barbara City Councilmember Helene Schneider, Montecito Association President Bill Pallidini, Montecito Planning Commissioner Sue Burrows, former supervisors Gail Marshall and Susan Rose, current Supervisor Janet Wolf, and Goleta City Councilmember Roger Aceves. She also brought in $3,275 from contributions of less than $100, which don’t need to be reported.

Farr also received another big chunk from the California State Council Service Employees International Union, which poured in $50,000 this cycle for a total of $83,000. Farr had this to say about her contributions from unions: “It’s important to remember that these organizations represent thousands of people across the political spectrum. They are service workers, the fabric of our community. So these large donations I’ve gotten represent large groups of people. My opponent’s large contributions come from individuals.”

Looking at Pappas’s packet on contributors did seem to back up her statement, as his only listed 17 names this cycle of people that gave the $67,105 total. Contributions to Pappas of less than $100 totaled $265. Topping the list is Anne V. Crawford-Hall Enterprises-owned by Nancy Crawford, whose $25,000 contribution this period raises her total to $52,500. Musician Jan Crosby gave $30,000, upping her total to $43,000, while Los Olivos resident Kathy Clearly gave $2,900 to bring her grand total to $9,900.