Costa Mesa officials have little campaign money

Lolita Harper

COSTA MESA -- If City Council members are planning lengthy political

careers, their campaign statements filed Thursday did not show it.

As required by state law, local politicians reported how much money

they hold in specially designated campaign accounts. Those who filed on

time -- Mayor Linda Dixon and council members Libby Cowan and Chris Steel

-- had no gains to report: Each had a zero balance in their account.

Council members Karen Robinson and Gary Monahan were both a day late

in filing their statements. It’s a transgression that is easily

forgivable, City Clerk Mary Elliott said.

“Technically, they are late, but I don’t push them that hard this time

of year,” Elliott said.

Robinson, who recently announced her write-in candidacy for a

judgeship, closed her account with a zero balance.

The councilwoman did not return calls about her report.

Monahan, who filed just hours after the deadline, reported a total of

$2,100. He was the only council member who reported any funds and is the

only one who has announced he will not run again.

Monahan said it is easier to let it sit than close it out.

“I see no reason to close it at this point,” he said.

Monahan’s move is not rare. Former Councilwoman Arlene Schafer still

has a current account with the city from the 1980s. Her balance is

$3,000.

Allan Mansoor, who said he is considering a run for a council

position, has opened an official campaign account. Mansoor has yet to

officially announce his candidacy.

“I’m not ready to fully say what my intentions are,” Mansoor said. “I

want to be prepared and ready.”

Elliott said Mansoor was playing it smart.

“He’s getting ready. If you are going to make a run for the council,

you might as well be prepared,” Elliott said.

Mansoor can start collecting campaign contributions at any time,

Elliott said, but does not have to disclose the amounts until October --

if he does decide to run.

The next election is in November, when Dixon will fight to retain her

seat at the dais and a handful of others will battle for Monahan’s -- and

possibly Robinson’s -- empty seat.