Local Non-Profits Benefit from Stuart City Commissioner's Campaign Fund

STUART, Fla. - Dec. 24, 2014 - PRLog -- With more than $4,000 left in her campaign account after this fall’s successful re-election campaign, Stuart City Commissioner Eula Clarke had several options under Florida’s election laws, but decided to share the proceeds with a dozen local non-profits.

Donations ranging from $200 to $500 were made by Clarke to Audubon of Martin County, Big Heart Brigade of the Treasure Coast, Building Bridges to Youth, Gertrude Walden Child Care Center, HPS/Helping People Succeed, Mary’s Shelter, Molly’s House, Safespace, Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital, Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, The Willow House and Families Against Drunk Driving.

Clarke raised $17,646 for her campaign, but spent only $13,400 to win her election for a third term.

Candidates in such circumstances can choose from a menu of alternatives, including making refunds to contributors on a pro rata basis and giving the money to a political party or political subdivision, such as a local government.

“My focus is always on the local community, but it’s hard to pick just one or two organizations,” said Clarke, “so I decided to donate to as many as I could.”

Clarke is an attorney who specializes in family law, immigration and probate. She was originally elected in 2010 to the non-partisan city commission. Her current term will end in 2016.