Hart Top Fund-Raiser in San Juan Race

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO â€”  Retired sheriff’s captain Wyatt T. Hart continues to hold a large fund-raising lead over other candidates in the race for San Juan Capistrano City Council, according to the most recent records.

Nine candidates are running for three seats.

Hart, who is also a Planning Commission member, had raised $13,662 as of Oct. 22, more than double the amount of the next closest candidate. He had spent $10,153.

Among the latest contributors to Hart’s campaign are developers, law enforcement personnel and the Orange County Auto Dealers Assn. Hart also received contributions from the parent company of a composting plant, and Richard J. O’Neill, a partner in the renovation of the downtown El Peon Complex.

David M. Swerdlin, a business owner and president of the Friends of Historic San Juan Capistrano, had raised the second-highest amount, $5,505, most of which he has contributed to his campaign. He had spent $4,823.

Incumbent Gil Jones had raised $4,000, campaign disclosure statements show, and spent $3,052.

Phil Delgado Jr., a business owner and consultant, reported contributions of $2,550. He had spent $2,526.

John Greiner, a human resources executive and Planning Commission chairman, had raised $1,395 and spent $876.

Serge Kohan, a salesman with a career in marketing, had raised $1,335. He reported spending $435.

And Carlos F. Negrete, a local attorney, reported receiving $1,050. He spent that amount.

Candidates Steve Dallas, a radiation therapist, and Mario D. Pina, a postal carrier, have filed forms declaring that they do not plan to raise more than $1,000 during the calendar year.