Companies in the construction business and his connections in the Christian community are among the major sources of campaign funds for Otis Jennings as he seeks the mayor’s office.

As of Oct. 23, companies in the construction business had contributed $20,960 to Jennings’ campaign. And one family who shares Jennings’ religious faith and values has given him $12,154.

That’s according to campaign finance reports filed with the New York State Board of Elections.

Jennings, a former parks and recreation commissioner, is the Conservative Party candidate in the mayoral election, and faces Democrat Stephanie Miner, a Common Councilor, and Republican Steve Kimatian, a former TV executive. Jennings lost the Sept. 15 Republican primary to Kimatian by 380 votes.

The election is Nov. 3.

Jennings owns his own construction company, called Jennings Construction Services. He is a member of the Associated Builders and Contractors, an organization for non-union construction businesses.

The group is supporting Jennings because of his “experience in construction—his experience as a businessman,” said Stanley Dean, the regional political action committee manager.

Here’s an overview of Jennings’ fundraising, from reports filed with the state board of elections:

• As of Oct. 23, Jennings had raised a total of $145,431.
  •Of that, the majority—58 percent, or $84,641—came from named individual donors.
• 15 percent— or $20,960 — came from companies in the construction business. Executives at construction companies also gave to Jennings’ campaign.
• His biggest single individual donors were Kent and Matt Gillis, of Cazenovia, who each gave $4,660.
• The biggest individual donor in the construction field was Dennis Weller, of Syracuse, who gave $3,250. Weller’s company Structural Associates gave $5,000.

Jennings also receives significant support from the Christian community. Local religious figures praise Jennings’ support of their causes. Stephen Skinner is the owner of the Christian bookstore Sacred Melody Parable in Syracuse. The Skinner family supports Jennings because of Jennings’ efforts on behalf of pro-life causes and his role in bringing an evangelical festival to Clinton Square in 2002, Skinner said.

Some highlights of money from those involved with religion in the Syracuse area, according to campaign finance reports:

• 8 percent of Jennings’ campaign money—or $12,154—has come from the Skinner family and their businesses.
• Among the Skinner family’s contributions are $3,000 from Skinner Properties, a real estate company run by Stephen and John Skinner; $4,500 from Skinner Resources, Wesley Skinner’s company; and a $25,000 loan in July from Skinner Resources. The loan has since been paid back.
• Northside Collision has donated $5,000 to Jennings’ campaign, most recently giving $1,500. The company is owned by Gary Bell, who also sits on the board of the Rescue Mission in Syracuse, a religious charity.

But in the closing days of the race, campaign finance reports show Jennings low on cash. In October, Jennings has only raised $1,850. As of Oct. 23, his campaign had $880 on hand.
 
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, Jennings said he was continuing to fundraise.  “Once I get my message out and I raise the rest of the money I need,” said Jennings, “I’m going to be very competitive in this race.”

(Brian Amaral is a senior majoring in newspaper journalism.)

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