SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Hart Leads the Pack in Campaign Funds

City Council candidate Wyatt Hart has raised more than twice as much money as any other challenger in the Nov. 8 council race. Nine candidates are running for three seats.

Hart, a retired Sheriff’s Department captain who is on the city’s Planning Commission, had raised $8,888 for the year as of Sept. 30, according to campaign disclosure statements. He had spent $4,261.

Among contributors to Hart’s campaign are several local business owners and outgoing City Councilman Gary L. Hausdorfer.

Hart also received contributions from Sheriff Brad Gates and Steve Nordeck, a partner in the renovation of the downtown El Peon Plaza.

Incumbent Gil Jones had raised the second-largest amount, $4,000, campaign disclosure statements show. He had spent $2,931.

David Swerdlin, president of Friends of Historic San Juan Capistrano, received $2,730. Of that amount, $1,700 were personal funds. He had spent $1,775.

Carlos Negrete, a local attorney, reported receiving $1,050 from two loans he made to his campaign.

Serge Kohan, a salesman with a career in marketing, received $985 in monetary and and non-monetary contributions.

And John Greiner, a human resources executive and Planning Commission chairman, reported $645 in cash and non-monetary contributions.

Philipe Delgado Jr. a business owner and consultant, reported no contributions.

Candidates Steven Dallas, a radiation therapist, and Mario (Jake) Pina, a postal carrier, filed forms declaring that they do not intend to raise more than $1,000 during the calendar year.