So far, nearly $66K spent on Hall chair race

GAINESVILLE - The race for county commission chairman is turning out to be the most expensive of the primary season in Hall county.

Incumbent Gary Gibbs and challenger Tom Oliver have spent a combined total of almost $66,000 - and report contributions of nearly 72,000. That amounts to contributions and expenditures totaling more than $137,000.

There is no Democratic opposition in the fall, so, next Tuesday's Republican Primary is tatamount to election.

The other county commission race - between Augie DeAugustinis and Billy Powell, for the seat Roger Cole is vacating - is proving to be the second-most expensive. Between them, they have raised $65,000 and spent $40,000.

Summaries of campaign financial disclosure statments for the contested July 20 Hall County primary races which were on file with the Hall County elections office as of 3:30 Monday afternoon July 12.

The reports were due June 30:

COUNTY COMMISSION CHAIRMAN

Incumbent Gary Gibbs: Contributions - $26,953 Expenditures - $19,014
Tom Oliver: Contributions - $45,788 Expenditures - $46797

COUNTY COMMISSION (TO SUCCEED ROGER COLE)

Augie DeAugustinis: Contributions - $30,599 Expenditures - $19,037
Billy Powell: Contribuitons - $34,731 Expenditures - $21,010

STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Incumbent Carl Rogers: Contribuitons - $46,726 Expenditures - $28,688
Clint Smith: Contributions - $6,925 Expenditures - $3,896

TAX COMMISSIONER

Sandra Knight: Contributions - $24,150 Expenditures - $5,689
Incumbent Keith Echols: Contributions - $3,800 Expenditures - $3,200

COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

Lynn Lathem: Contribuitons - $1,674 Expenditures - $965
Incumbent Nath Morris: Contributions - $8,000 Expenditures - $1,216

CORONER

Ace Guevara: Contributions - $318 Expenditures - $0
Incumbent Marion Merck: Contributions - $440 Expenditures - $1,725