By Clarence Cromwell
Opponents of the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative have raised more money than the measure's proponents, according to campaign finance statements filed Feb. 15.
No on G, the group opposing the Saratoga Neighborhood Preservation Initiative, reported $7,882 in contributions for the period spanning Jan. 1 through Feb. 10, 1996--more than their opponents have collected since August.
During the same two-month period, the Save Our Neighborhood Initiative Committee received $1,150. Since its inception Aug. 8, 1995, SONIC has collected $5,617.
Voters will decide whether to allow any zoning changes and high-density developments proposed in the future if Measure G passes on the March 26 ballot. Such decisions are now made by the City Council.
No on G's fundraising success is owed to one contributor.
The largest donation--$5,000 on Jan. 18--came from Our Lady of Fatima Villa, an Oak Street retirement home planning to build new facilities in Saratoga. Such an expansion will likely be subject to a public vote if the initiative passes.
The Odd Fellows Home of California, a Fruitvale Avenue retirement complex now seeking permits to expand, contributed $1,000 to the organization on Jan. 25.
No on G Chairman Michael Fox Sr. donated $500 on Jan. 9.
And $100 contributions came from Marlene Duffin, Dane Christensen, No on G treasurer George Kreamer, and Good Government Group president Ann Peterson between Jan. 18 and Feb. 2.
The group spent $3,330 as of Feb. 10.
A total of $670 went to the Saratoga postmaster for mailing literature. And $2,500 went to Oakland-based political consultant Larry Tramutola. The group made $160 in expenditures of less than $100 each. Election codes don't require explanation of those expenses.
SONIC didn't fare quite as well.
Alan Rosenus donated $50 Jan 26, and then $1,000 Feb. 4. Dora Grens contributed $100. The group received $230 in contributions of less than $100.
With $1,602 in the bank at the beginning of the period, SONIC had enough cash to spend $2,627 producing and mailing about 11,000 copies of a new flyer to Saratoga's registered voters.
The group paid National Printing Co. of San Jose $985 for printing and folding the pamphlet. California Mailing Services charged $190 to attach mailing labels. And SONIC paid the Saratoga postmaster $1,452 for postage.
SONIC also owes a San Francisco law firm $395 for legal services.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, February 21, 1996.
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