Mara Secures Most Donations from Georgetown

Georgetown corporations and individuals are throwing their monetary support  behind DC Council at-large candidate Patrick Mara, according to the campaign finance reports from the Board of Elections and Ethics.

“I have a lot of friends in Georgetown,” Mara told Patch. “I call, I’ve gone door to door…I’ve just been hauling around the city asking for donations.”

Mara is one of six candidates running for the At-large seat on the District Council in a special election April 23. The seat was officially vacated by Phil Mendelson when he was elected Council Chairman in November.

According to the most recent campaign finance information, Mara has received $5,850 from the Georgetown residents and $3,600 from local corporations toward his campaign contributions. With a total of $9,450 from individuals or corporations in the 20007 Zip Code, Mara has Georgetown's financial backing more than any other candidate in the special election.

Elissa Silverman comes in second behind Mara with $2,825 in contributions from nine Georgetown residents.

Mara received contributions from five different Georgetown corporations. Other than Anita Bonds, who received one donation of $500 from Greater Washington DC IFAPAC, Mara was the only candidate to receive the financial support of Georgetown businesses.

“It seemed to me from the forum that (Mara) was more oriented toward the burdens of small businesses,” said James Wilcox board member of the Georgetown Business Association (GBA) recalling the group's recent candidate forum.

Although Mara has not held any Georgetown campaign events, he has spoken at forums put on by the GBA and has “knocked on 10,000 doors” in the District, he told Patch.

The GBA organizes forums to inform Georgetown residents about the candidates and where each one stands on local issues. For its part the GBA is most focused on legislative issues that impact safety, transportation, parking and economic development and community improvement. 

“What makes us different from the Georgetown Business Improvement District is that we can lobby,” said Janine Schoonover CEO of GBA. “We encourage people to individually get to know the candidates and support the ones they align with.”

Mara has received endorsements from the DC Chamber of Commerce, The Washington Post and the Northwest Current.

Mara plans to continue making phone calls, speaking in candidate forums and participating in meet and greets until election day on April 23.