Follow the money: Comparing Adkins' and Burns' campaigns for School Superintendent

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

Because the 2016 race for Nassau County School Superintendent between Republican candidates Janet Adkins and Kathy Burns appears to be the one that is generating the most interest at the local level today, I decided to look more closely into the campaign contributions that both candidates received during calendar year 2015. Initially I also included Libertarian candidate Cheryl Reynolds James in my calculations, but since she has reported only 5 donations totaling $900.40 to date, I decided to reserve judgment on whether she is a serious or credible candidate.

Statistics in the table below were taken from campaign treasurer reports on file with the Supervisor of Elections. I have included cash, in-kind and loans from the candidates to their own campaigns, as well as the candidates’ own contributions to their campaigns. Any errors or omissions may be laid at my feet, not those of either the candidates or their treasurers.

Adkins’ fundraising has far outpaced that of Burns. However, if you eliminate the highest category of contributions ($500+), the statistics are not that far apart:

The major difference is among the high level contributors. I compiled the following, again from records provided by the candidates, to indicate the source and amounts provided by the contributors in the highest categories, breaking out $500 donors and $1,000 donors. Note that the highest donation that can be given per election cycle is $1,000.

Given that the Nassau School Superintendent position should be a matter of concern primarily for Nassau County people, it is striking that of the highest donors in the Adkins campaign, only 11 out of 76 come from Nassau County individuals and businesses, while 29 of Burns’ 38 high level contributors are listed with Nassau County addresses, including current Superintendent of Schools John Ruis.

Voters should take into account that as a State Representative, Adkins developed many contacts with lobbying firms and advocacy groups. Also, charter school proponents and health-related organizations make up a large portion of her contributions. But what do these groups have to do with running the Nassau County School District? Why would they “invest” in Adkins’ campaign?

Should candidates for county office need to raise so much money to mount a campaign?

And my final question: Is this campaign about how best to educate Nassau County children or how to secure the highest paid elected office in the county?

You be the judge.

Our county's children will be directly impacted by this election.  And unless you are a registered Republican, you will not have a voice in this election.

Editor's Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne's many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.