There's only one rule: Don't call it a fundraiser.

Mayoral candidate Jeffrey M. Smith is hosting a "campaign party" on Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Savory Downtown, but invitations don't include an appeal for donations and there's no price of admittance.

"If people do wish to donate, that’s their choice," said Mr. Smith, a city councilman. "They don't have to feel obligated. I don’t want them to think I’m in debt to them."

Mr. Smith is taking on incumbent Mayor Jeffrey E. Graham, who has been mayor off and on since 1993. The vote will be held on Nov. 8.

The two candidates are employing contrasting styles to fund their efforts. Mr. Smith said he hasn't yet received any donations, but has spent about $3,000 of his own money on the effort. Mr. Graham, who kicked off his campaign with a fundraiser and took in $4,537 from individual donors, said he is likely to hold another fundraiser sometime after Labor Day.

Mr. Graham said he didn't have any comment on his opponent's fundraising philosophy.

Said Mr. Smith: "I will be asking people for one thing. I’ll be asking them for their vote."

Thousands of readers like you have made Northern New York Newspapers the number one ranked website* for local news and sports coverage in the north country.

You can continue on to this article in a few seconds, or you can visit one of our websites:

• Watertown Daily Times
• The Ogdensburg Journal
• Daily Courier-Observer