By Bob Bruton - Barrie Examiner March 30 2011

The high cost of political victory continues to climb.

Jeff Lehman spent almost $115,500 last year on his successful campaign to be Barrie's new mayor, more than twice as much as his nearest rival, Joe Tascona, who had election expenses of almost $54,000.

Rob Hamilton, who finished third, spent almost $93,000 on his campaign — finishing just ahead of former councillor Mike Ramsay, who spent $37,000.