Biggest Contributors to Darrell Banks' Campaign

Some last names popped up throughout 2016, as top contributors to Banks' $97,440 county commissioner campaign. Political donors on this list are grouped by last name because of family ties that occur among business leaders, and because donor checks sometimes include more than one name, particularly when spouses were included.

1. Romanchuk ($9,000) — State Rep. Mark Romanchuk gave a total of $9,000 in 2016. Most of that was given through Romanchuk's political campaign committee, Romanchuk for State Representative. Some checks came from Romanchuk and his wife Zoi,  along with a contribution of in-kind campaign services worth $150.

2. Whatman ($8,200) —Tom Whatman, of Stoffer Road, Bellville, gave $7,500 and a relative, Chuck Whatman, of Stoffer Road, Bellville, owner of Whatman Auctioneers and Real Estate, gave another $700. Megan Whatman, of Renie Road, served as Banks' campaign manager. Tom Whatman, who also provided $240 worth of food and beverages that were listed as an in-kind conttribution to the campaign, could not be reached late this week for comment.

3. Gorman ($6,500) — Two men with ties to the Gorman-Rupp Co. jointly ended up third in contributions to Banks. Jeff Gorman gave $3,500 and Jim Gorman another $3,000.

4. Tiberi ($5,000) — U.S. Rep. Pat Tiberi, R-Genoa Township, who represents southern Richland County, donated that amount, through a single check from Tiberi for Congress Committee.

5. Hope ($4,760)— Several checks from William C. and Karen J. Hope, of Ohio 13, Bellville,  were given mostly during the early part of the candidate's general election campaign.

6 Fernyak ($4,575) — Most of that total came from Carl Fernyak, CEO of MT Business Technologies, who served as Banks' campaign treasurer and donated $4,000. But downtown developer John Fernyak also donated. Carl Fernyak also provided Banks with a $5,000 loan during the primary, which was repaid to Fernyak by the time campaign season ended.

7. Beal ($4,175) — Several Beals donated, including Richard Beal of Galion ($2,150), Norman and Kathryn Beal of Bellville ($2,000), and Jim Beal of Bellville ($25).

8. Jackson ($3,100) - Checks came in from James and Nora Jackson, and from James and Kimberly Jackson, from two different addresses on Darlington East Road, Bellville.

9. Pamer ($3,050) - Nearly all of the checks included in that total came from Dr. David and Barbar Pamer of Bellville, though one $100 check was from Matt and Jenny Pamer of Bellville.

10. Taylor ($2,500) - A primary season campaign finance report showed Rick R. and Carol B. Taylor of Mansfield giving a single check for that amount.

Beyond those political contributors, 12 other last names show up as donating $1,000 and $2,000, by the time Banks' campaign ended.