Bob Crowell leads big in local race donations

Mayoral candidate Bob Crowell raised more money than his opponent or any other candidate for a Carson City office during the most recent financial reporting period.

Crowell, an attorney at the law firm Kummer Kaempfer Bonner Renshaw & Ferrario, raised about $26,200 since the last expense period in August for a total of about $63,400, compared to opponent Ken Haskins, the pastor of First Christian Church, who raised about $5,400 during the period for a total of about $17,900.

Both Crowell and Haskins are running to replace three-term Mayor Marv Teixeira, who is retiring at the end of this year.

Haskins has acknowledged Crowell as the front-runner, but, throughout the race, neither has attacked each other and have often complimented each other in interviews and debates.

Crowell said he's happy that he'll be able to say that the race for city mayor was one of the tamest in the state.

"Win, lose or draw, I've come out of this with a new friend," he said.

Donors that gave $1,000 or more to Crowell's campaign this period include: Carson Gaming, which owns Casino Fandango; J.D.S. Corporation, which is run by the owners of Bodines Casino; and the Reno office of the Jones Vargas law firm.

He also received thousands of dollars combined from local individual donors.

"I continue to be humbled by the amount of support I have received from the community of Carson City," said Crowell, a school board member who has promoted issues including an attractive downtown, regional cooperation, public safety, a strong economy and finishing the bypass.

Haskins has run on promises of fiscal conservatism, being accessible to voters and his opposition to the two city ballot questions that would raise taxes.

Clerk-Recorder Alan Glover, who is head of elections for the city, said candidates have to report any contributions over $100 and that they can get up to $5,000 for the period and $10,000 total from a donor.

In the race for Ward 4 supervisor, challenger Molly Walt raised more than two-term incumbent Richard Staub for the expense period and the second most of any candidate in the city.

"I'm thrilled and obviously thankful to all that have supported me financially," she said.

Walt, a high school teacher, raised about $11,000 for the period for about $14,800 total, compared to Staub, an attorney, who raised $3,900 for the period for a total of $22,100, beating Walt overall.

Shelly Aldean, Ward 2 supervisor, raised about $6,600 for the period for a total of about $12,000, compared to challenger Dennis Johnson, who raised $400 for the quarter for a total of $2,400.

Reports were not available Tuesday for Steven Reynolds, unopposed candidate for District 5 school board trustee, and Joanna Wilson, unopposed candidate for District 7 school board trustee.

- Contact reporter Dave Frank at dfrank@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.