Elk Grove Vice Mayor Continues Raising Cash; Funeral Expenses as 'Office Expenses?'

Even though his next election isn't until 2018, Elk Grove Steve Ly continues his quest to raise cash for his campaign warchest.

According to his most recent filing recorded at the Elk Grove City Clerk's office. Ly raised $25,692 for the six month period ending December 31, 2016, of which $6,695 was in non monetary contributions. For all of 2015, Ly raised an impressive $61,427 of which $6,695 was in non-monetary contributions.

Ly's largest contributions were two $5,000 donations from home builder Taylor Morrison and City of Elk Grove public works contractor Willdan Group. Like his city council colleagues, Ly also hauled in $1,000 from the city's contracted garbage collector, Republic Services.

Of the non-monetary contributions Ly received, one was from Souza Elk Grove, LLC that listed a December 1, 2015 "fundraising event." Ly choose not to disclose where or the nature of the event paid for by Souza Elk Grove LLC.

Ly also took a $500 donation from electronic billboard developer and operator Clear Channel Worldwide of San Antonio, Texas on August 18. Interestingly, during the November 18, 2015 Elk Grove City Council meeting Ly said "he put in a request to our city manager for a possible workshop" on electronic billboards. (see video below).

Among expenses, Ly paid political operatives Capitol Campaigns $1,000 and $4,000 to Ross Communications. Ly has no outstanding balance with Ross and $9,000 with Capitol Campaigns according to the disclosures.  

Among the more curious expenses paid by the Ly campaign funds were five payments of $100 listed as "funeral expenses" for four decedents. The five payments were classified as office expenses and no other information was provided.