Mansoor, Leece lead fundraising in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor and parks and recreation commissioner Wendy Leece have raised the most money so far for November’s City Council race.

Mansoor has gathered $46,833 in donations, and Leece has raised $34,672, according to campaign finance reports, which were due Thursday from all candidates and committees that have raised funds.

The report lists funds raised from July 1 to Sept. 30, as well as the total amount of money candidates have raised in 2006. All candidates are vying for two open seats on the council. Councilman Gary Monahan is vacating his seat because he is termed out, and Mansoor holds the other seat.

Mansoor has spent $23,013 on his campaign, and Leece has spent $13,912 on hers, according to the report. Planning commissioner Bruce Garlich trails Leece, having collected $26,338 and having spent $18,934.

“The campaign isn’t over yet,” said Garlich, who is being endorsed by the political action committee Return to Reason. “I’m not worried about my fundraising.”

Former Councilman Mike Scheafer has raised $21,352 and spent $6,994. Business owner Mirna Burciaga has collected $14,698 and spent $7,188. Lastly, businessman and author Chris Bunyan has $750 and has spent nothing.

The largest donations reported include $5,000 Mansoor donated to Leece’s campaign; $5,000 to Scheafer from Precision Optical in Costa Mesa; $5,000 for Burciaga from Burciaga Auto Service in Costa Mesa; and $2,000 for Garlich from Angels Auto Spa in Costa Mesa.

Mansoor said he was not surprised that he had raised the most money so far.

“People have been expressing support for a long time, and I’m very appreciative,” Mansoor said. “We’re getting our message out, and that message is that we want to improve the quality of life for the residents of Costa Mesa.”