Council candidates reveal financial backers

Mountain View Voice
August 3, 2018

Midyear reports show that City Council candidate Lucas Ramirez is off to an early lead in the competition for fundraising dollars. Ramirez, a member of the city's Environmental Planning Commission, has raised just over $24,000 in his bid to replace outgoing Councilman Ken Rosenberg.

Ramirez's campaign reported receiving donations from Rosenberg ($250), Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian ($350) and former Councilman Mike Kasperzak ($100), who is also serving as his campaign treasurer.

Fellow Planning Commissioner Ellen Kamei is not far behind, reporting about $13,000 in fundraising, including donations from Councilwoman Lisa Matichak ($130), Planning Commissioner Robert Cox ($100) and South Bay Assemblyman Evan Low ($500).

Incumbent Councilwoman Pat Showalter has raised nearly $6,800, including a $1,000 contribution from Deb Henigson, an organizer with the Mountain View Coalition for Sustainable Planning who is also serving as her treasurer. Showalter also received $500 from her former employer, Norma Camacho, CEO of the Santa Clara Valley Water District.

In his filing, Mayor Lenny Siegel reported that he had raised no money so far for his bid for re-election.

Campaign filings were not immediately available for former Councilman John Inks or Alison Hicks, who have also declared candidacy in the race.

Campaign finance report can be found on the city's website.

Ellen Kamei