'Frugal' Fred Eisenberger spends just $106K to become Hamilton's mayor

Mayor FredEisenbergerspent just $106,000 in October's municipal election to best his two other major challengers.

Eisenbergerhad a spending limit of $318,705.40 in the mayoral race, which included councillors Brad Clarkand BrianMcHattie. But he spent just a third of that $106,647 to regain the mayor's seat, compared to Clark's$152,236.05 andMcHattie'sbudget of $129,341.11.

Eisenbergeris known as a frugal spender in municipal elections. In 2006 the first time he was elected mayor he spent just $59,000 compared to incumbent Larry DiIanni, who spent $236,359.43.

Eisenberger'scampaign stump speech included the claim that he was "Dutch and frugal." The election expenses are that frugality at work, said Chris Cutler,Eisenberger'scampaign manager and now a staffer in the mayor's office.

Volunteers and name recognition

It was "afrugal Fred and a frugal campaign manager," he said. "Great volunteers made a difference for us. Tremendous name recognition, very positive public opinion and a lot of goodwill towards Mayor Fred really helped."

In his losing 2010 campaign for re-election,Eisenbergeralso spent less than his competitors. He spent $99,926.38 compared to DiIanni's$226,632.32 and BobBratina's$135,342.34.Bratinawon that election.

Eisenbergeris the only candidate who raised more than he spent. He raised$109,856, although expense documents show his campaign borrowed $9,000 from a credit union.

BothMcHattieand Clark spent their own money on their campaigns, and didn't near the spending limit either.The election was particularly hard on Clark, who spent $152,236.05 and raised $84,315.97. This week, Clark's friends and former colleagues held a roast, Breaking Brad, to help cover his campaign expenses.

McHattiespent $129,341.11 and raised$126,961.81.

Signs, flyers and fundraising

Eisenberger's biggest expense was advertising ($46,368), followed by signs ($16,039), flyers ($13,547) andfundraising($10,960). He finished with39.93 per cent of the vote, or49,020.

Clark dug deep on salaries, benefits, honoraria and professional fees ($79,148), signs ($16,963) and rent ($9,967) for campaign offices around Hamilton. Clark finished with 31.53 per cent, or38,706.

McHattie's major expenses includedadvertising ($50,324),salaries, benefits,honorariaand professional fees ($24,696) and office expenses ($16,402). McHattiefinished with 20.38 per cent, or25,050.

Friday is the deadline to submitcampaign expenses. Candidates who don't file expenses are forbidden from running in the next election. Two candidates Robert Pasuta of Ward 14 and Drina Omazic have extensions for filing. Pasuta, who won his seat again, has until April 10 to file. Omazic, who lost the Ward 3 election and is now Eisenberger's chief of staff, has until April 27.

It's up to the public to examine the expense reports for any violations of spending rules, said Tony Fallis, Hamilton's chief returning officer. According to the Elections Act, a member of the public would have to complain toa city compliance audit committee, he said.

"The public would scrutinize them," he said of expense reports.

"We're not auditors or accountants, even though I'll take a brief look at them when they come in."

On mobile? View the expenses here.