Editor's note: This article has been edited to correct the spelling of Zak Leavy's name.

New London — Mayoral candidate Michael Passero has surpassed campaign fundraising by incumbent Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio, according to the latest numbers provided by their campaigns.

Passero's campaign reported contributions Friday totaling more than $47,000 since the Democratic city councilor announced his run for mayor in November.

Finizio campaign staffer Mike Farina said the mayor, also a Democrat, has raised more than $33,000.

"The city always comes first," Finizio's campaign manager Zak Leavy said in explaining why the Democratic mayor was lagging behind in fundraising. "The mayor believes the job of running the government in difficult situations will always come before the campaign."

Leavy was referring to the time Finizio spent during the past three months helping to oversee the clearing of roads and the removal of snow during one of the worst winters in the city's history.

Leavy added that Finizio has still far exceeded fundraising that occurred in the run-up to his previous election, which he won handily in a primary over the Democrat-endorsed candidate Michael Buscetto III. He then beat former City Councilor Robert Pero, a Republican, and write-in candidate Buscetto in the general election.

Passero, however, was trumpeting fundraising successes that brought in nearly $37,000 during the first quarter of this year.

“This quarter's contributions clearly demonstrate that I have the support and trust of the residents of New London,” Passero said in a statement. “I am determined to improve the quality of life for residents through sound management practices in finance, education, public safety, economic development, and job creation."

Passero's campaign claimed that nearly three-quarters of its donors in the latest period came from New London "rather than (from) out-of-town supporters."

Leavy said he was not surprised that Passero has raised more money than the incumbent mayor at this point in the campaign, which will likely culminate in a Democratic primary Sept. 16.

While Passero may have more support among people with the ability to chip in the maximum $1,000 donation, Leavy said, "We'd rather have the support of all the people of New London."

"At the end of a day, a dollar doesn't vote; a person votes," Leavy said. "We're confident the people will respond."

Passero's campaign noted that the Democratic councilor will be unveiling his platform during an event at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Copperwood Grill.

"We are entering into a time of great opportunity, and I want New London to be prepared for the upward cycle ahead," Passero said in a statement. 

"The citizens of New London clearly want to see a mayor elected who will provide strong leadership," Kevin Cavanagh, Passero's campaign chair, said in a statement. "They are tired of bad decisions, poor fiscal management, and precipitous tax increases with nothing to show for them."

Finizio's campaign said it didn't have any figures on the percentage of its donations received from residents of New London. It said donations ranged from $5 to $1,000.

In the final quarter of last year, the Finizio campaign reported raising nearly $20,000 from 60 donations. The latest numbers provided by the campaign indicated a near doubling of donors with an increase of only about $14,000.

The Passero campaign had previously reported lagging behind Finizio, with only $10,375 in donations.

l.howard@theday.com

Twitter@KingstonLeeHow