Politics & Government

Segal Outspends Nation by Nearly 4-to-1 in Chesterfield Mayor Race

The two candidates have each spent the bulk of their funds on sending out campaign mailings.

As the two men councilman vying to be the next Chesterfield Mayor head into a final day of campaigning, records show Matt Segal has outspent opponent Bob Nation by a margin of nearly 4-to-1.

Segal, a Ward 1 councilman since 2009 and vice president at Berkadia, and Nation, a Ward 4 councilman since 2007 and retired airline captain and Army Reserves officer, launched their campaigns after current Mayor Bruce Geiger announced he would not seek a second term.

According to campaign finance data filed March 25, Segal’s campaign committee spent $19,329, the bulk of which went toward $10,846 for mailings from Gralich Printing. The rest of the funds went toward PTO sponsorships, campaign signs, doorknockers and graphic design fees.

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Nation’s campaign committee spent $5,557 on similar campaign staples, such as postage, campaign signs, printing costs and mailers. A mailer from Kwik Kopy represented the most significant expenditure, totaling $1,449.

The two candidates also each purchased advertising space in local publications. Segal spent $735 for ads on Patch and Nation paid $670 for ads in West Newsmagazine.

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Segal’s spending advantage was fueled by fundraising that also outstripped Nation’s efforts. In the most recent filing period, his committee raised around $8,338. In total, his campaign has brought in $19,329. Notable donations this period include:

  • Aero Charter ($1,000)
  • John McDonald, self-employed ($1,000)
  • Ken Murer, APC Integrated Services ($1,000)
  • Bruce Geiger, Chesterfield Mayor ($308)

The $3,026 raised by Nation in this period nearly equals what he had raised previously, bringing his total fundraising to $7,026. Notable donations include:

  • Thomas Fleming, business owner ($300)
  • Bard Stephens, Daniel & Henry Company ($300)
  • Rosa Kim, housewife ($291)

Nation has tried to turn the fundraising disparity between the two men into a campaign issue, claiming that his opponents would be too beholden to commercial interests. He pointed to contributions Segal has received from a developer behind one of the future Chesterfield outlet malls and his background in commercial development.

For his part, Segal has refuted the allegations, saying they amount to nothing more than “scare tactics” and that a majority of his donations have come from individuals. He emphasized his record as a leader and consensus builder during his time on the council. 


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