Tom Tobiassen, RTD board member, excitedly makes his way on to first of four stainless steel cars during a ribbon cutting ceremony Dec. 2 at Denver Union Station. The cars will transport passengers from Denver Union Station to Denver International Airport have arrived from their assembly plant in Philadelphia and they promise to get passengers to or from the airport in 35 minutes.The East Rail line will make six stops during its 23-mile trip from Denver to DIA and will connect light rail lines throughout the metro region, including Aurora's Interstate 225 line. (Marla R. Keown/Aurora Sentinel)

AURORA | With a little less than three months to go until the municipal election, candidates for the five city council seats up for grabs are in full fundraising mode. Three candidates are nearing $30,000 in contributions, according to city documents that outline the first finance reporting period.

At-large candidate Tom Tobiassen leads the pack with $28,925 in contributions. He out-raised the second highest earner in the crowded at-large race, Tim Huffman, by more than $11,000.

Incumbents in the ward races also had high contribution amounts. In Ward I, where there are only candidates, Sally Mounier raised just more than $25,000. Her challenger, Crystal Murillo, raised $13,509.

In Ward III, incumbent Marsha Berzins raised just short of $28,000. The second highest earner in that race so far is Debra J. Hunter Holen. She raised $11,451 during the first reporting period.  

Nicole Johnston has the highest contribution amounts in the Ward II race. She has raised $10,772.

Kara Mason covers local, state and national government and politics for The Sentinel. Reach her at 303-750-7555 or kmason@SentinelColorado.com.