John Chappie and Bill Vincent — the two candidates for the Ward 4 seat on the Bradenton Beach commission — have been pounding the pavement for votes — and campaign funds.
As of the Oct. 14 reporting deadline, Chappie received $3,815 in contributions from 15 sources, including three businesses — Bridgewalk Partners LLC, Pines Trailer Park and Silver Surf Gulf Beach Resort.
Chappie’s funding saw no increase since the Sept. 29 campaign report.
Chappie said he has received contributions from residents and business owners within the community who are aware of the experience and knowledge he can bring to the table.
Chappie received contributions from two outsider politicians — Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore and former County Commissioner Pat Glass — and 10 individuals, including hoteliers David Teitelbaum and Danny Canniff.
“This election is all about the community — the residents — and for more than 32 years I have been visibly involved in this community in various applications,” Chappie said.
As of Oct. 14, Chappie’s campaign spending mostly included marketing expenses. The majority of funds have been spent on signage, door-hangers, handouts, mailers, business cards and postage, totaling $3,116.47. Also, $68 was spent on bank account fees and website expenses.
Alternately, Bill Vincent has banked $5,469.43 in contributions from 46 individuals and one business — Bazzy Marine Corp.
Vincent said Mike Bazzy, president of Bazzy Marine Corp. and owner of Bradenton Beach Marina, 402 Church St. N., helped him with campaign marketing.
“Mike’s expertise with marketing has really helped me to reach the public and, of course, I am grateful for his donation,” Vincent said.
According to the Oct. 14 report, Vincent spent $2,530.66 to market his campaign.
Vincent also is using signage and handouts and he plans to send out a weekly series of postcards with his stance on pressing issues and a comparative analysis between himself and Chappie. He also is running advertisements in local newspapers, including The Islander.
Since the Sept. 23 reporting deadline, Vincent’s funding increased by $1,810.43, through the support of 10 additional individual contributors.
Vincent said many of his individual supporters with out-of-state addresses are “full-seasonal third- and fourth- generation residents in Bradenton Beach.”
Bradenton Beach registered voters will cast ballots Tuesday, Nov. 8, at precinct No. 307, Bradenton Beach Fire Hall, 201 Second St. N.