School board candidates file pre-election campaign finance reports
MIDLAND, Mich. — Of the nine candidates running for three seats on the Midland Public Schools Board of Education, six filed campaign finance reports on Friday.
Jennifer Ringgold raised the most of any candidate during the period, reporting $9,477.41 in total contributions. Ms. Ringgold’s campaign spent just over $8,000 on various campaign items such as yard signs, t-shirts and postcards. She has $1,337 in cash-on-hand.
Incumbent trustee Phil Rausch raised $4,675 during the period and reported over $6,800 in in-kind contributions, mostly from himself, on things such as Facebook ads and yard signs. Mr. Rausch’s campaign has all of his contributions — $4,675 — still on-hand.
Sara Ladwein reported contributions of $5,700 and spent nearly all of that, during the period. Her campaign has $164 in cash-on-hand.
Jimmy Sheets raised $2,145 during the period. Mr. Sheets reported spending $1,505 on campaign materials such as domain names and yard signs.
Mindy Cox raised $1,170 and spent $695, mostly on yard signs. Ms. Ladwein, Mr. Sheets, and Ms. Cox have coordinated their campaigns and are running as a bloc. Each of their filings reported various debts from the others’ campaigns in what seems to be a cost-sharing arrangement.
Jon Lauderbach, an incumbent trustee, reported raising no money other than $2,217.56 in in-kind contributions from himself which he spent on yard signs.
Kurt Yockey, Matt Samocki, and Michelle Tschaikowsky did not file reports. Ms. Tschaikowsky is no longer actively campaigning for a seat on the board, however she will remain on the ballot. The election is Nov. 8.
Michael Westendorf is the chairman and executive editor of Chemical City Paper. As Executive Editor, he leads the City Paper’s news coverage and editorial team.