Fundraising for candidates and issues in this year’s November election is off to a slow start with most campaigns reporting a few thousand dollars in donations for the first reporting period.

City Council challenger Ashely Powell was the exception, reporting more than $63,000 in donations in the first few months of the season, but most campaigns reported significantly less.

In the race for Rent Control Board, Incumbent Nicole Phillis was in first place with $5,700 in fundraising and no expenses. Her 58 donors included several current RCB Commissioners, School Board members, College Board candidates and SMRR officials. She also received a donation from Sonya Sultan, the mother of fellow candidate Naomi Sultan.

Challenger Lori Brown raised $5,128 and had no expenses. Her 21 donors included property management companies and several realtors.

Read More: http://www.smdp.com/fundraising-figures-reflect-quiet-election-season/169663