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By DANIEL VALENTINE, Staff Writer

Aldermanic candidates also are raising and spending big money on sophisticated methods to reach Annapolis voters, including a $2,400 ad campaign at bus stops, a paid political consultant and a $1,500 fund-raising gala put on by two developers.

Incumbents in all the fall races have vastly outspent their low-budget challengers in hopes of winning re-election on Nov. 8, according to the first round of the required donor lists and payment summaries, released yesterday.

"Whenever there's competition, you can't take it for granted," said Alderwoman Cynthia Carter, who faces independent Julie Stankivic in the Ward 6 race. "We raised the money to campaign, and that's what we're going to do."

The wealthiest candidate by far is Ms. Moyer, who raised $80,000 in donations in the last year and has spent nearly $40,000 - just $4,000 less than the other 22 candidates combined.

Coupled with her previous donations, Ms. Moyer has a war chest of $91,000 available to wage the three-month campaign.

"She's a steamroller," said Ward 4 candidate Wayne Taylor, who has $50 in his account after spending more than $4,000 so far.

Ms. Moyer said the big bankroll reflects support from constituents and an intensive fund-raising effort over the last four years.

"If you're doing a good job, people show their support," said the mayor, who said she spent about the same amount in her first election.

Ms. Moyer is being challenged by Alderman George O. Kelley Sr., R-Ward 4, who has raised just under $6,000 and spent about $300, and Independent candidate Gil Renaut, who has about $425, including $300 of his own money.

The first round of finance reports covers all donations and expenses up to July 31. Since most challenger candidates did not file for office until Monday, they are still trying to get their campaign financing off the ground.

"I'm afraid I'll have to have some serious money," Mr. Renaut said yesterday. "But not $90,000."

Other newcomers haven't even gotten that far. Eight of the 23 candidates who are running this year declared no donors or expenses. Candidates do not need to file a formal report until they spend or raise more than $100.

But the experienced aldermen are flush with cash. In the four wards where incumbents are facing competition, three had more than $10,000 on hand for their campaign.

The wealth among candidates also surprised city election officials, who have turned the reports over to an auditor for review - a standard practice in each election.

"I did raise an eyebrow at a couple of them," said Allen Furth, chairman of the city's Board of Election Supervisors.

Auditors will make sure that donors do not exceed the $1,000 donation limit for council candidates, or the $2,500 cap for mayoral candidates. Candidates are free to use their own money in the campaign.

Incumbent Alderwoman Classie G. Hoyle leads the pack among City Council members. She has raised more than $20,000 for re-election, and still has about $14,000 remaining.

Democrat Scott Bowling, who is challenging Mrs. Hoyle in the Sept. 20 primary, claimed zero donations and expenses this week.

The Parole alderwoman's 44 donors, who contributed an average of $250 to $500, included many major developers. A majority of her donations came from a March event that visitors paid $250 each to attend.

The gala was put on for Mrs. Hoyle by Petrie Ventures Inc. and the Annapolis Towne Centre, two partners building a massive high-rise community at the abandoned shopping mall just outside her district.

According to reports, the two partners each paid $750 to stage the event, which has left many in town wondering whether the cost of city elections has gotten too high.

"It just outrageous. And these guys aren't even in the city!" said Jim Martin, a West Street businessman who owns the Free State Press printing company. "Whatever happened to good old shoe leather, knocking on doors and shaking hands?"

But even those who favor old-fashioned campaigning say they're feeling the pressure this year. Of all the incumbents seeking re-election, Michael W. Fox, R-Ward 7, has the smallest campaign fund with $3,883 - most of which came from a fund-raiser earlier this year at Sean Donlon's Irish Pub.

"The only reason we had it was I was told I need to have one," he said. "I'm a terrible person about raising donations. I'd like to think it's about going out and meeting people."

While going door-to-door is still a key to a successful campaign, a media blitz is needed, too, Ms. Moyer said. Campaign costs, including radio and television ads, have increased.

"There are a number of people out there talking," she said. "But it costs a lot of money to reach the public, and you have to do it repeatedly."

This year, candidates are resorting to far more metropolitan techniques than a simple meet-and-greet, according to their public expense reports.

Mrs. Carter, D-Ward 6, has put down a $2,400 deposit with media giant Clear Channel Communications for the chance to advertise at four of the city's 60 bus shelters, according to her report.

"It's going to take almost all that I've got,' said Mrs. Carter, who said she will probably spend about $8,000 of her $12,000 campaign fund on the bus signs. "I wanted to be more visible."

And in Ward 4, Mr. Taylor is paying $1,000 a month for a Washington, campaign strategist to assist on the race against fellow first-time candidate Tyrone Furman.

Mr. Taylor, a building contractor who works primarily in Washington, said hiring consultant Vicky Wilcher is part of his strategy to mobilize the district on the other side of Forest Drive.

"The whole objective is to bring a new flavor to politics in Annapolis," he said. "I'm going to be at the bow, but I need somebody at the back of the boat at the controls."

Ms. Wilcher, who has worked on campaigns for U.S. Sen. Charles Robb of Virginia and several D.C. Council races, agreed to reduce her fees to work for the Annapolis resident. Still, Mr. Taylor's reports show he needs to raise thousands of dollars just to afford the help through November.

"I'm willing to pay that price," he said.

But others say getting out supporters is all that matters.

"Dollars don't vote," said Mr. Kelley. "It's the people behind the curtain. This will be the people's election."

Copies of candidate finance reports are available at the Free State Press on West Street. To order copies, call 410-269-1484.

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dvalentine@capitalgazette.com