The Cortez 21st Century High School Committee has raised nearly $22,000 in its efforts to try to convince voters to support a $21.25 million bond to build a new high school.
Around 75 percent of the money raised was from local businesses that support the bond. A total of 27 donors have contributed to the campaign.
Earlier this week the Colorado Secretary of States office released a campaign financial statement for individuals running for office and committees pushing the passage of bonds and amendments.
The Montezuma-Cortez School District Re-1 was awarded a $22.7 million grant from the Building Excellent Schools Today committee in June to build a new high school contingent on the district coming up with the other half of the needed funds.
According to statistics from the Colorado Secretary of State Office, the 3B bond committee raised $21,750 in contributions and had spent $17,651 of that amount to promote the passage of the bond.
Becky Brunk, Cortez 21st Century High School Committee co-chairman, on Tuesday said all the funds from the contributions had been spent but some bills had yet to be submitted.
We want to use the money wisely, and have (done so), Brunk said. At this point of time all the money has been committed.
The largest contribution came from the Montezuma County Economic Development Association which donated $7,500 to the cause, while the Cortez Journal contributed another $2,500.
According to statistics submitted to the Colorado Secretary of States office, other businesses or individuals that contributed at least $500 to promote the passage of the bond included $2,000 from Aarons and $1,000 each from Axis Health System, Big O Tires, Ertel Funeral Home, D. Casa Villa Trust and Marc and Suzy Meyer, the publisher of the Journal. MCM Real Estate Group contributed $750, while Becky Brunk, Citizens State Bank of Cortez, First National Bank and the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce donated $500.
Brunk said the committees final push leading up to the Nov. 6 general election is getting out into the community, talking to people and providing them with factual information, so they can make an informed decision when voting.
School district officials are not allowed to promote or support items on elections pertaining to their district.
According to the secretary of states expenditure reports, Lanmark was paid almost $7,400 by the 3B Bond Committee for yard signs, banners and billboards. The Cortez Journal was also paid more than $4,700 for advertising, while other financial expenditures include $3,000 to Winton Road Broadcasting for radio advertising and another $1,553 for postage.
Brunk said so many people wanted the Yes on 3B yard signs, the committee had to order additional ones.
Brunk said she was not surprised with the financial support from the community because of the importance of getting a new high school.
I knew there was a lot of community support and was very pleased with how the community responded, Brunk said.
County Commissioner Campaign
Two of the three candidates running for the District 3 Montezuma County commission seat have received contributions of thousands of dollars while the third candidate has raised $50, according to statistics from the secretary of states office.
Larry Don Suckla, running as an unaffiliated candidate for the seat, as of Tuesday, had received almost $11,200 in contributions to his campaign. More than $9,000 of the amount came either from himself or relatives.
Dewayne Findley, the Republican nominee for the District 3 seat, received $5,750 in contributions in which almost $4,890 has been spent for expenditures.
Findley contributed $3,400 to his own campaign.
Unaffiliated candidate Greg Kemp had raised $50 as of Aug. 6, meaning he did not have to file again due to not exceeding the threshold amount. Kemps expenditures were a little more than $691.
michaelm@cortezjournal.com