I have had the opportunity to review the financial disclosure that was submitted by Councilman Harold White’s campaign last week. First off, I must say I find it fascinating that the front page of the paperwork indicates that White is running for office in District 15. Last I checked, it’s the lucky residents of District 14 who get to claim Councilman White as our representative in the Metro Council. Innocent mistake, I’m sure, but still amusing.

Councilman White took in just under $24,000 in contributions this quarter. Only one itemized contribution (required for those who give at least $100) came from within the district. It was a contribution of $1000 from the president of Lo-Jack Company on Central Pike. There is one contributor with a P.O. Box in 37214, which would be a post office in District 14. However, this gentleman’s home address is located in District 15.

I must say that Odell Binkley, owner of a landfill and some properties on Central Pike, is a particularly interesting contributor. He has taken out large ads in the Donelson Hermitage Herald the past couple of weeks letting the readers know what a wonderful councilman Harold White is for our district. It means a lot to me that this resident of Wilson County (Mount Juliet, specifically) cares so deeply for the well-being of his neighbors to the west. He even cares enough to make sure that his daughter, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law each gave $1000 to White. They all live in Mount Juliet as well. Is Binkley just a devoted friend to Councilman White, or does he hope to see some financial benefits come from his support? Hopefully, we won’t get the chance to find out!

Councilman White did receive $450 in unitemized contributions. Even if all of this money came from within District 14 (which I doubt), it’s still a very small percentage of the total raised. Candidates certainly have the right to raise money from people in any location, and they can accept support from whomever they choose. Isn’t it telling, however, when no one from your own district is willing to step up and be a significant contributor?