Stonington - After seeing his Republican opponent Glee McAnanly raise almost five times more in campaign funds than he did as of Oct. 10, First Selectman Ed Haberek has turned to an online fundraising site to help him attract contributions over the last two weeks of the campaign.

Since announcing last Thursday that he is seeking contributions at https://rally.org/re-electhaberekfirstselectman, he has received nine contributions of his goal of 48, according to the site. The site does not list the amount of the donations.

Haberek also attached a message under the headline "Help me to continue leading Stonington! Dear Friends."

"We only have weeks to prove to everyone in Stonington that we're stronger than this challenge ... a few weeks to prove that we will not be deterred by forces that want to distort my record and take our town backwards," wrote Haberek. "To be successful again in this endeavor against a well-funded opponent, it will take very strong and dedicated grass roots campaign. I need your help! Your contribution will help us raise the vital funds needed to conduct another successful campaign."

Haberek listed his accomplishments as making infrastructure improvements, helping the town recover from storms, working on economic development initiatives and no increase in the general government budget over the past six years.

As of Oct. 19, McAnanly had raised $6,775 and spent just $386, leaving her with a large amount of cash to spend in the remaining few weeks of the campaign. In addition, she has spent $3,947 of her own money on campaign expenses.

Haberek has received three individual donations totaling $400, plus $1,000 from the Democratic Town Committee, for a total raised of $1,400. He has spent $874 of that, according to his report. Another report is due next week.