The two campaigns battling over Ontario’s sales tax raised and spent similar sums, according to the latest filings with the state Elections Division.
Citizens for a Better Ontario, the political action committee led by Ontario Mayor Ron Verini, reported raising $13,590 and spending $13,395.
Verini was the largest donor to the PAC, giving $5,200. Bob Quinn, owner of Ontario’s Clarion Inn, gave $5,000 through his company.
The PAC spent most of its money — $11,196 — with Ontario’s Argus Observer. The publisher is married to Ontario City Councilor Marty Justus, one of the leaders of the pro sales tax effort.
STOP The New Sales Tax Committee, a political action committee founded by contractor Jackson Fox, reported raising $11,478 and spending $11,021. The biggest donor was Treasure Valley Steel, which gave $2,500.
The anti-sales tax group’s largest expenditures were $3,500 to TNT Signs and $3,249 to Silver Signet Graphic Design, an Ontario marketing firm.