Politics & Government

Buckley Leads Campaign Fundraising

The selectmen candidate has raised and spent nearly $1,600.

Paul Buckley has spent nearly twice the amount of money as his rival Nelson Almeida in the campaign for a seat on the Seekonk Board of Selectmen. Buckley spent nearly $1,600 as of Monday, with all his campaign money coming from donors. Almeida spent $801 in what he says has mostly been a self-funded campaign.

Buckley's financial statement lists six sources that gave his campaign a total of $800—Seekonk Speedway owner and former Selectman Francis Venditti ($250), Robert Fuller who was a member of the Seekonk Charter Commission ($150), Selectman Bob McLintock ($100), the Seekonk Republican Committee of which Buckley is the chair ($100), Republican Committee Vice Chair Webster Larkin ($100) and former Board of Health member Gail Nunes ($100).

His campaign collected another $793 from various sources that each donated up to $50. Those who give up to $50 do not have to disclose their identity by state law, and Buckley told Seekonk Patch he did not want to reveal who gave him those amounts because some people limit their donations so they can be anonymous.

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Almeida's financial statement says all his campaign money is self-funded. However, he told Patch on Monday that approximately $200 comes from people who attended his fundraiser at Toti's restaurant.

Buckley spent money on signs/accessories ($702.60), mailers ($415.13), an ad in the Rehoboth Reporter ($230), an ad on Seekonk Patch ($125) and door hangers ($106.25).

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Almeida spent money on postcards ($302.79), signs ($255), campaign cards ($184) and the fundraiser ($60).

Write-in candidate Jeffrey Starr Mararian did not submit a financial statement by the deadline on Monday.

The next financial statement deadline is Oct. 24. Election Day is Sept. 24. All voting will take place at Seekonk High School from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.


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