It’s crunch time for the candidates seeking public financing in their bids for city council next year. They’ve got until January 31 to get 1000 qualifying signatures and $5 contributions, and several candidates are ramping up their efforts to make it to the finish line.

You can find Chris Smith on Wednesday evening, December 19, camped out at Sound Grounds Coffee (3711 SE Belmont) from 5:30 to 7 pm.

We’re having a campaign get-together this Wednesday (12/19). Please come down and join us (preferably with $5 in your pocket, but you’re welcome either way).

Howard Weiner’s also going to be in Southeast this week—on Thursday, December 20.

I will be speaking and collecting qualifying contributions before the Bacon Skateboard Video Premiere being held at the Clinton Corner Café at 8:30 PM on S.E. 21st and Clinton Street.

Meanwhile, Amanda Fritz reports that she’s at 943 as of yesterday. Charles Lewis, John Branam, and Jeff Bissonnette (the latter two of whom are door knocking to collect signatures, so perhaps they’ll be at your door soon?) can be found at their respective sites.

I’d like to see all of these candidates get over the 1,000 signature-and-contribution hurdle. Help ‘em out with $5, won’t you?