ONE OF the big mysteries of the 2011 municipal elections is why Mayor Ted Gatsas raised so much money.

Between April 1 and Nov. 18, Gatsas raised $235,660. More than $50,000 of that was given after the general election, including $10,000 from Brady Sullivan Payroll Management, $15,000 from WEDU owner Sean Owen, and $10,000 from his brother, Michael Gatsas. Opponent Chris Herbert raised less than $10,000 and was never seen as a threat to Gatsas winning a second term. So why raise all the money?

Gatsas said before the election that he can't help it if people want to give him money, and give they did. Six donors gave $10,000 or more, including Merrimack businessman Fred Tausch, who donated $25,000. According to his campaign finance reports, submitted to the City Clerk's Office, Gatsas spent $135,000 — that's $13 per vote. Gatsas now has $100,348 left in the fund.

Gatsas said some of his money will go to pay for the inauguration ceremonies on Jan. 3 at the Palace Theater. City Clerk Matt Normand said the cost of the event in 2010 was $3,878, which Gatsas paid for out of his campaign reserves that year, and should be similar this year.

Fine. But what about the other $96,000 he has left over?

“It's there at the city level. It stays right there,” said Gatsas. “The same thing happened two years ago. It carries forward.”

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OR DID GATSAS compile this sizable stash to use for a run for governor? State law does not address money raised for a city election, and the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office said it has not ruled on this issue.

“We haven't addressed it historically. We haven't been asked for that decision,” said Richard Head, associate attorney general. It would make a ruling, however, if either asked by the Secretary of State's Office or if a complaint was filed, he said.

A big question that needs answering is whether a fund that took donations from individuals over the state's $5,000 limit could be used in a state election, which prohibits such large donations. Or would Gatsas' war chest be viewed as just one pot for doling out money to his gubernatorial fund?

Head said that question has not been addressed either.

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WHAT THAT MONEY won't be going to is the traditional inaugural ball at the Center of New Hampshire. The black-tie event was funded by sponsors last time, but Gatsas said the money should go to a more worthy cause.

“The economic times are such that rather than participate in a ball, we should give a little more to charity,” said Gatsas.

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WHEN THE BOARD of School Committee meets for the last time before the inauguration on Monday, they will not be joined by Committeeman Joe Briggs. The Ward 2 board member, whose comments often attracted controversy, will be leaving that day for a work transfer to Georgia.

Briggs will be replaced by Committeeman Debra Gagnon Langton, who won the Ward 2 race after opting against running for the at-large seat this fall.

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WITH THE PAUL LESSARD confirmation issue behind the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, expect to see a stricter adherence to charter rules regarding board and commission appointments — at least for a few weeks or so.

One area the aldermen may want to look at is the policy outlining public notification of vacancies. According to Section 3.14a, the mayor establishes the procedure for giving “reasonable notice of vacancies before they are filled and provide an opportunity for application by citizens of the city.”

Vacancies to boards are publicly announced on the “Boards and Commissions” page of the city website — though it takes some searching to find it. Gatsas said people are also welcome to offer to volunteer at his office, though that process is not described anywhere on the city website.

Gatsas has a running list of people who have brought in resumes to his office and asked to serve. He also brings forward names of commissioners who are interested in a second term and has nominated members on the suggestion of aldermen.

“Bring me a resume and tell me where'd you like to sit, and I'd certainly take a look,” said Gatsas.

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THE ALDERMEN last week approved landmark recognitions for three former city officials. Piscataquog Park will now be called the George Smith Complex, after the former Ward 10 alderman. Smith, a longtime local youth sports advocate, was recommended for the honor by Alderman At-Large Mike Lopez.

The aldermen also approved putting a granite marker and plaque at the Palace Theater in honor of former Mayor Sylvio Dupuis and a marker for former Mayor Emile Beaulieu at a place to be determined.

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CITY HALL will be in the spotlight next month when it serves as the backdrop of ABC News' New Hampshire Primary broadcasts. The down side? People who live or work in that area will need to make other parking arrangements. From Jan. 1 to 13, ABC News will have a mobile unit on the corner of Franklin and Market streets. Its support vehicles will be parked in the Middle Street lot and in some of the surrounding spaces, for a total of 105 spaces, which will be rented for $15 a day.

The news organization will be paying for around-the-clock police details and all snow removal required in the area during its stay.

People affected by ABC News' stay should contact the Parking Division at 624-6580.

Read Beth LaMontagne Hall's coverage of Manchester City Hall in the New Hampshire Union Leader. Email her at bhall@unionleader.com.