Downtown Milford Restaurants Donate to Mayor Blake's Challenger

Mayor Ben Blake’s campaign for re-election raised nearly double the donations than likely Republican challenger Peter Spalthoff – in half the time.

Individual contributions to the mayor, from May 15 to June 30, totaled $10,780, while Spalthoff supporters, from April 11 to July 10, donated $5,695, according to recent election documents filed with the city clerk.

So far Spalthoff’s committee has spent about $2,570 on election-related expenses, according to the documents. Blake’s crew, by contrast, has dispersed only $68 from its fund. Blake has actually spent more out of his own pocket (about $300).

Who’s Supporting Whom?

A big chunk of Blake’s fundraising discrepancy can be attributed to two attorneys, Clayton and Nancy Quinn, of Middlebury, who gave $1,000 apiece.

Spalthoff’s biggest financial backer to date is Rich Conine, the owner of Stonebridge Restaurant, who also donated $1,000. Additionally, three waiters at Stonebridge chipped in $20 apiece to the Republican challenger’s campaign.

Contributions from Downtown Milford restaurants to Spalthoff continues with $300 from Richard Smith, owner of Seven Seas, and $100 apiece from Ken Martin and Paul Coniglio, co-owners of the new Colony Grill.

By number of donations, Blake’s biggest group of supporters so far is retirees. A total of 17 gave a sum of $1,450.

Democratic and Republican town committees will endorse their candidates next week.