WINNERS TRIP OVER DISCLOSURE DEADLINE

By Erin France/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

With one exception, unsuccessful political candidates in local runoff campaigns were the only ones who filed financial disclosure statements on time. Winners missed the filing deadline but said they would file next week.

Campaign expenditure reports for the runoff elections were due Dec. 26, 30 days after the Nov. 25 vote.

City Treasurer

The only successful candidate who filed a final campaign expenditure report was City Treasurer-elect Christopher Castoro. He ran against Sam Whitfield, a Pine Bluff Arsenal worker.

Castoro’s final election report was filed Dec. 15, and records a cumulative total contribution of $4,015 and total expenditures at $3,971. He raised $200 in the final reporting period, $100 from Mac Norton and $100 from Andree Roaf. Those funds were augmented by a balance of $1,029 left from the last reporting period.

Castoro spent $1,185 during that same time. Of his funding, $44 went unspent.

Whitfield did not file a campaign expenditure report as of Friday at 3 p.m.

Mayor of Pine Bluff

Don Scott, Mayor Carl A. Redus Jr.’s campaign finance manager, said he would have the report filed in the Jefferson County Courthouse during the next few days.

Redus’ opponent, City Treasurer Greg Gustek, filed his final campaign report Dec. 17. He reported total contributions of $22,344 and spent all of it, except for $9.36.

In his final month of reporting, Gustek raised more than $1,800 and spent $3,387. Of those contributions reported, Joe Scott contributed $500, Bluff City Insurance contributed $500 and a Jefferson County Republican organization contributed $500.

Third Ward Alderman

Third Ward Alderman-Elect Glen Brown has not yet filed. Friday afternoon he said he would file his report on Monday or Tuesday.

His opponent and current holder of the position, Derwood Smith, filed his report Dec. 10.

In the last reporting cycle, Smith raised $1,600 from contributors and spent more than $2,000. Contributors included Bill Ferren at $1,000, Simmons First National Bank at $200 and Simmons First National Bank employees at $400. He reported $66.93 as his final balance.

Fourth Ward Alderman

Steven Mays, the president of a non-profit organization, filed his report Dec. 2, but did not record any activity during the election run-off race.

He reported neither contributions nor expenditures and reported a positive balance of $125 in his coffers.

Fourth Ward Alderman George Stepps said he was busy with the holidays but would file as soon as possible.