Assembly Candidates Report on Finances

A San Fernando Valley businessman and a top aide to Assemblywoman Paula Boland (R-Granada Hills) are leading a field of six candidates in cash and loan contributions in their bid to succeed Boland in a legislative district that includes Simi Valley and Fillmore.

Businessman Ross Hopkins has raised $74,239 in contributions, including $49,000 in loans, according to campaign finance statements. He had $66,295 left in the bank at the end of June.

Scott Wilk, Boland’s chief of staff, has raised $67,548 in cash contributions, including a $50,000 loan from an Orange County woman who is the mother of a campaign worker, Wilk said. Supporters also gave him $23,770 worth of non-monetary contributions, including the results of a political poll as well as furniture and office space in Granada Hills, he said. He had $62,606 in cash as of June 30.

Bob Larkin, former chairman of the Ventura County Republican Central Committee, reported that he had raised $21,875 this year and had $15,771 in cash as of June 30.

Stephen R. Frank, a Simi Valley government consultant, raised $6,812 in cash. He reported receiving another $8,300 in non-monetary donations that included free computer services to set up electronic mail and other political services on the Internet. On June 30, he had $6,785 in cash on hand.

Candidate Sanford Winger raised $2,599, including $500 in loans, and candidate Peggy Freeman reported an $8,024 loan and $2,423 in cash contributions.

Although Wilk, Larkin and Frank reported their contributions earlier in the week, the remaining three candidates’ financial statements were not available until Thursday.

Boland is being forced to step down next year because of legislative term limits.