Campaign figures show some Halifax councillors still take funds from developers

Campaign finance reform is a much-discussed issue among Halifax municipal councillors, particularly funds that come from local developers and construction companies. 

During the last municipal election, several candidates even vowed to reject campaign donations from businesses in the industry.

As it turns out, despite the expected changes to campaign financing rules, some councillors elected in October actually accepted more of the controversial donations than they did in the previous 2012 election.

'If they want to bet on me, I'm all for it'

And not everyone has a problem with that.

"I'm all for developers. If they want to bet on me, I'm all for it," said Coun. Matt Whitman who was re-elected in District 13, Hammonds Plains-St. Margarets.

Whitman raised $12,665 in donations. Of that, $3,799 — about 30 per cent — came from development, real estate and construction businesses.

Whitman raised less money in 2012, $10,393. But a bigger chunk, $4,150, or 40 per cent, was funded by members of the sector.

Coun. Russell Walker was also re-elected in his district of Halifax-Bedford Basin West. More than half — 55 per cent — of the $14,200 he raised in campaign donations came from the industry. That comes to about $7,810.

That's up slightly from 2012 when $5,950, or 51 per cent, of the $11,550 he raised came from the development, real estate and construction sector.

A number of councillors did not take corporate donations. Waye Mason, who was re-elected in District 7, Halifax South Downtown, kept the same policy in 2012 when he received $13,490, none of which came from the industry.

• Developer money debated before first Halifax council meeting

Corporate donations could end in 2017

Councillors may not have the opportunity to make personal choices about who they accept campaign money from after a report on the issue is presented early next year.

It is expected to include limits on the amount raised, restrictions on who can make donations and disclosure of how the money is spent.

Whitman said he'll comply with any new rules that are adopted.

"I'm not opposed to more regulations if it's clear across the board," he said.

"I'm really not concerned about it, so whatever becomes the lay of the land is fine."

Hendsbee, Adams took developer donations

A breakdown of 2016 and 2012 campaign donations for other candidates:

• David Hendsbee, District 2, Preston-Chezzetcook-Eastern Shore, raised $5,670, $2,300 came from developers at 41 per cent. In 2012, the total was $4,557.85, with $2,800, or 61 per cent, from the sector.
• Steve Adams, District 11, Spryfield-Sambro Loop-Prospect Road, received $9,900, $2,050 came from developers, or about 21 per cent. In 2012, donations were $6,800, with development companies contributing $3,800 or 55 per cent.

In the other districts, four councillors were acclaimed: Bill Karsten, Lorelei Nicoll, Steve Craig and Tim Outhit.

One councillor, Tony Mancini, was re-elected in District 6. He previously won a January byelection to replace Darren Fisher after he was elected as a Liberal MP.

Four councillors from 2012 did not re-offer: Barry Dalrymple, Gloria McCluskey, Reg Rankin and Jennifer Watts

Two who ran in 2012 were defeated: Linda Mosher and Brad Johns.