TOMS RIVER-Fundraising is underway as Republicans battle Democrats for the non-partisan Toms River Regional Schools Board election.
According to New Jersey Election Commission R-1 30 day candidate filings, Republicans Teri Kubiel, Ginny Rhine and Al Schwartz have collected $18,218 from donors, all in donations lower than the $300 individual reporting threshold.
Republicans vying for control of the school board have spent $6,318 so far. Expenses include $1,1750 on pizza for a September 5th fundraiser, $2,250 on design services and $2,543 on catering services at the Four Seasons Diner.
Democrats Michael Horgan, Steve Kaczala and Michele Williams have yet to file their 30 day R-1 financial disclosure, which is required to be filed within 30 days of the election. In past years, Democrats have been accused by opponents for late filings of their reports in an effort to shield funding sources from the public until after the election. However, not filing an R-1 form can also indicate that the ticket has not met the minimum fundraising threshold.
Independent Republican Robert Onofrietti also did not file an R-1 form, lacking political party sponsorship, Onofrietti has engaged in a grassroots self-funding campaign through his Facebook Page Onofrietti for BOE 2017. He has not raised enough money required to be reported. Onofrietti is not being backed or funded by either of the two major political parties.
