TC CANDIDATES CAMPAIGN CASH TOPS $12,000

The two candidates for Township Committee raised more than $12,000 in combined contributions, according to the latest campaign disclosure reports this month.

Democrat Frank McGehee, who defeated Republican Mike Summersgill in the November race for the lone TC seat up for grabs, raised $7,392.15, according to his latest disclosure report, which noted he spent $6,341.17 of that funding.

Summersgill, meanwhile, raised $5,107.00 and spent $4,329.87 so far. He said he will likely file another report to cover some bills paid this month.

Since state law does not require either candidate to disclose individual contributions of $300 or less, McGehee listed none, while Summersgill hand only two above that amount.

Summersgill's included a $350 aggregate donation from a Maplewood woman who is also an Essex County Board of Taxation employee and $500 from the Essex County Republican Party.

The disclosure statement also noted Summersgill spent locally with expenditures going to Maplewood Stationers and Ceder Ridge Bakery for what he listed as the "best scones in N.J." He had earlier revealed similar spending at The Able Baker.

McGehee, meanwhile, paid some $605.04 for an election night party at Coda in Maplewood Village.

Both candidates also purchased ad space on Maplewoodian.com.

McGehee takes office on Jan. 1, 2017, at Town Hall. The swearing in and reorganization meeting are set for 2 p.m.