Councilmember Kennedy Far Outpaces Other Candidates in Local Campaign Donations

As election season approaches, one local incumbent has outraised all other candidates combined.

According to the most recent candidate disclosure forms posted on the city’s website, Councilmember John Kennedy has raised $182,328.00 since July.

The other three candidates that have announced intentions to run have raised $112,878.83 combined.

Kennedy told Pasadena Now that it costs candidates more to run since the city council voted to change its election calendar to align with state and national elections.

“It is a singular honor and privilege to serve the diverse people of District 3 on the Pasadena City Council,” Kennedy said. “Because council changed its elections to align with state and national elections, one must have the resources to reach a much larger constituency and that is quite an expensive undertaking.

In this hyper-political atmosphere, it is wise for me to stay focused on meeting the needs of District 3 and the city as whole. That is my ongoing commitment.

The strength of my fundraising activities is a reflection of a strong belief in the community that I am providing the leadership required to serve my D3 constituents and the greater community. The support is humbling.”

The primary election will be held on June 7, but the runoff would be held five months later in November. Taking into account that candidates must qualify this month for the election, a competitive campaign could last almost a year.

According to disclosure documents, Kennedy had $16,000 from his previous campaign account which he is legally allowed to carry over to this campaign.

Kennedy received a $1,000 donation from former Mayor Terry Tornek.

Kennedy and Tornek spearheaded the City Council’s efforts to create a police oversight commission after the death of Minnesota motorist George Floyd sparked riots and protests across the nation, including several nonviolent demonstrations in Pasadena.

Kennedy has long pushed for police oversight of the Pasadena Police Department.

According to the campaign disclosure documents reviewed by Pasadena Now, neither Kennedy nor any of the candidates received any donations from the Pasadena Police Officers Association.

Kennedy received a $1,000 donation from Vice Mayor Andy Wilson.

Kennedy also received a $10,000 donation from retired lawyer Michael Harahan. Other donations include $1,000 from John Muir High School Principal Eddie Newman, $100 from both former City Manager Don McIntyre and former Police Chief Jerry Oliver, $150 from local realtor Bill Ukropina and $250 from local activist Kris Ockerhauser.

Kennedy has spent nearly $10,000 on campaign-related expenses.

This year races in council districts 3, 5 and 7 will be held. Candidates can pull papers starting on Monday, Feb. 14.

Candidates must pay a $25 fee and collect 25 signatures from residents living in their districts.

So far only one person, Human Relations Chair Brandon Lamar, has announced plans to oppose Kennedy.

Lamar has raised $3,344. Lamar received two donations totaling $150 from local activist Ed Washatka.

In the District 5 race, incumbent Jess Rivas has raised $46,334.83. Rivas has received donations from local school board member Tina Fredericks, $500 and $250 former school board member Susan Kane. Former mayor Bill Paparian donated $100 to her campaign. Rivas also received money from former City councilmembers Jacque Robinson and Margaret McAustin. The former councilmembers each gave Rivas $100. Occidental College Professor Peter Dreier gave her $250. Ockerhauser and Washatka also contributed to her campaign.

The City Council appointed Rivas to represent District 5 after Victor Gordo was sworn in as mayor and stepped down from the seat.

So far no other District 5 residents have expressed intentions to run for the seat.

“I am grateful for the financial donations of all my supporters, many of them small donations [community and family] who support me and my ability to lead District 5 through these challenging times,” Rivas told Pasadena Now.

A new councilmember is guaranteed to emerge from District 7. Vice Mayor Andy Wilson has announced he is not running for re-election leaving the District 7 seat open.

Planning Commissioner Jason Lyon and Ciran Hadjian have announced plans to run for the seat. Hadjian has raised $5,150. Lyon has raised $58,050.

Lyon received a $1,000 donation from Megan Foker of Pasadena, and $250 from Commissioner Tim Wendler and $150 from Pasadena City College Trustee Tammy Silver. Lyon has spent $6,200.

As of January 1, the state capped campaign contributions at $4,900.

First-time campaigners Rivas, Lamar and Lyon told Pasadena Now last year they supported the limits. So far none of them have donations above that limit according to the disclosure documents.

“I am so grateful for the generous support we’ve received, and I’m proud of the broad coalition we’re building,” Lyon said. “We have support from every neighborhood in the district, and every district in the city, and from every political party. It’s a good sign that our message of welcoming every perspective to the civic dialogue is really resonating with folks in the community. We’re off to a great start.”