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ELECTION 2007
One of the most important elections in our City’s history is upon us. At a time of great change when Palm Springs is growing everyday while competing with other growing cities in the Coachella Valley, our future will be molded by the leaders we choose to represent us. The new leaders we elect this November will not only be performing civil duties, those elected have the opportunity to revive Palm Springs as a prosperous, exciting town with thriving businesses and diverse culture.
We at Absolute extended an invitation to all candidates running for City Council and Mayor to voice out to the community of Palm Springs with their vision - We do not have any affiliation with any of the candidates. Candidates not featured in this article were not available or denied our request for this article by the time of printing.
CANDIDATES FOR COUNCIL
RICK HUTCHESON
Reach out to the voters -
The Council we elect on November 6 will have a crucial opportunity to revive Palm Springs as the lively, prosperous, open-minded place we’ll always want to call home.
As a Planning Commissioner, I’ve become familiar with the big issues facing Palm Springs. Work in the West Wing of Jimmy Carter’s White House, and later with Al Gore, has given me the government experience needed to be effective.
Skills acquired as a business development executive, plus knowledge from the tourism and real estate businesses my partner and I built since moving to Palm Springs, will help me protect these vital sectors and grow our economy.
My community service includes the Partners for Life Steering Committee at Desert AIDS Project, the Desert Business Association Board, HRC, EQCA, GLAAD and Desert AIDS Walk.
I’m the only City Council candidate endorsed by all area Democratic clubs, including Stonewall; the only candidate endorsed both by Palm Springs Police and Firefighters, and I’m endorsed by the overwhelming majority of colleagues who’ve worked with me on City Commissions – they believe I’m ready for City Council.
See my goals for Palm Springs below. I ask for your vote on November 6 so we can get them done!
VISION FOR PALM SPRINGS
Most of us agree on the big things, such as preserving our historic architecture, natural resources and special village character. Nearly everyone wants immediate action on the Fashion Plaza and less crime.
New convention hotels and mixed residential-commercial buildings will bring many more attractive, high quality retailers, great restaurants and entertainment options. In the meantime, let’s clean up downtown and ease unnecessary burdens on businesses and homeowners.
We must diversify the Palm Springs economy beyond our vital tourism and real estate industries by attracting green and renewable energy companies to Palm Springs.
WHAT ISSUES MATTER MOST TO YOU:
1. Set a 90 day deadline for action on the Fashion Plaza. Enough talk, lets act.
2. Make a priority of reducing burglaries and break-ins of our homes and vehicles.
3. Implement green building and conservation of water and energy
4. Protect our foothills and open spaces including the Chino Cone.
5. Preserve the unique features of Palm Springs – the reasons we all live here
6. Plan urgently for the additional assisted living facilities we’ll need for our aging population
Serving on the Planning Commission, Police Advisory and Neighborhood Boards, I have demonstrated my ability to work constructively with others holding diverse viewpoints – so we can find common ground and get the job done for Palm Springs.
WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN WHITE HOUSE?
A Democrat like Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, Barack Obama or John Edwards -- to end the war in Iraq and provide quality healthcare for all Americans.
Eloise Garcia-Mohsin
REACH OUT TO THE VOTERS
My message is simple and to the point. If you want someone who will work for you and NOT the developers then I need your vote. I didn’t take wind mill & developer “favors later” money like some of the other candidates. I won’t let them waste your money. I will be the tough voice the voters need in City Hall. I will expose any corruption I find.
VISION FOR PALM SPRINGS
My vision for Palm Springs is to revitalize the downtown area. We do not need sky scrapers in a downtown village. We need to stop wasting city money. An example of wasted money is the $40,000 raise (city manager) and $35,000 to a PR firm (in Riverside) to spin a litigation story.
What Issues Matter Most to You:
We need a realistic approach to the homeless issue. To build an 11 million dollar (prison like) shelter over the I-10 is not the solution.
The poor transportation in the desert must be resolved. The sign ordinance needs updating as well.
The issues that matter most to me is solving the homeless issue, the poor transportation issues and cracking down on gangs. We also need a rebirth of downtown. We need to bring glamour back to Palm Springs as well.
WHY YOU’LL MAKE A GREAT CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
I will make a great Council Member because I do not take dirty money. I am not a paid off candidate. I call it the way I see it. I say what is on my mind and what is on the voters mind. I will call something BS and corrupt if it tricks the voters and uses their money.
WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN WHITE HOUSE
Hillary, of course!
Roxann Ploss
REACH OUT TO THE VOTERS
I have spent 37 adult years trying to build a reputation locally for honesty and ethical behavior. I have not always been successful at that but I keep right on trying. I think that knowing one’s own weaknesses and how to keep them in check is something any person who aspires to a higher position must have.
I know what has worked as far as leading this town forward and what has not. I have history….and know how to use it. My appreciation for the architecture and the good times we have had will, I think, help guide decisions as to how we should move forward...sanely.
Of all of the candidates, I believe I have the greatest background on environmental issues as they apply to our own ecology here on the desert. With times changing, and more emphasis being put on doing things “green” (under possible penalty from the State Attorney General, no less), I think I am up to the new demands being put on City Halls throughout California and the nation.
I believe that I can bring that consciousness to the table for the benefit of all of the residents.
Vision for Palm Springs
There are two distinctly different Palm Springs scenarios in our future. There is the Vegas wannabe with too many tall, dense buildings, pollution and all those things which come with it. Everytown, USA. Or there is the one I see…..a bustling town, with cars left on the outer perimeters, pedestrians everywhere using the occasional jitney bus to get back to their cars and lots of small, unique stores which cater to residents and tourists alike.
Tax-payer money will no longer go to frivolous or out-of-town projects. It will be used to help our ailing economy and fix our crumbling infrastructure.
Small hotels (meaning those of less than 350 rooms) will get much-needed makeovers and the tourism industry will again focus on across-the-board tourism: families, straights, gays, Europeans, Asians, Africans, South Americans, “Anzacs”, Middle Easterners, businesspeople, young college grads, athletes, bookworms…..EVERYbody.
My “vision” demands that we all take part in our revitalization. Become a customer wherever possible and fight to preserve that which makes us unique: our history and our beauty. This is do-able. Remember that demolition and rebuilding will leave empty/unusable space for perhaps a decade. Renovation, on the other hand, can keep part of a large building functional while the rest is being redone. It also helps us retain our “brand” and qualities that make us different from the noisy, irritating, claustrophobic bigger towns.
What Issues Matter Most to You:
As with most candidates, certainly crime and safety are very high on the list. We need less middle management, more policemen on the street and more volunteers helping with paperwork which takes far too much of the uniformed policeman’s time.
But other issues are of equal importance to me. The health and well-being of the citizens of this town is foremost on my list. Without health, the rest begins to seem less important. We have problems with the worsening quality of air, congestion and a lowering water table. I would like a full USGS study done on the actual levels of water and purity of product here in Palm Springs. And I do NOT mean how many signed pieces of paper do we have promising us water??? Atlanta is down to a few months supply of water.
Next. Our infrastructure is a total mess. Each time I heard of a power outage this summer, it was due to “equipment failure”. This can only get worse with expanding population; we can not wait any longer for upgrades.
We need more hospital beds and an ombudsman for those seniors forced to wait hours at hospitals to be seen. Much more affordable housing so workers can actually live here.
Those things are far more important to me than the next multi-million dollar project which may or may not happen. But for THOSE, I want to see money in the bank before they are approved, a completion bond and a restoration bond if the project is planned for the delicate hillsides. I also want developers to use story polls, 3-D simulations of the projects and anything else OTHER than drawings which will actually show the residents what this new building may look like and how it will impact them.
WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN WHITE HOUSE?
Mine is something of a fantasy scenario: I would like to see an independent who knows how to talk to people, and listen to both sides before making a decision. Ultimately, the decision will be his or hers, but how did he/she get to that point? Who are the advisors?
LEE WEIGEL
Vision of Palm Springs:
I am running for City Council because as the former Police Chief in Palm Springs, I have some basic beliefs about what is good for the city. More than ever, this city needs a councilperson who knows how to create innovative solutions and get things accomplished within the confines of government. These are the reasons I am running for City Council:
We need to get back to basics! We need to get things done!
My vision of Palm Springs is a city that is second to none when it comes to an attractive and inviting environment. Public safety must be our first priority. It is essential to have enough people in Fire, Police and Code Enforcement to keep our downtown and neighborhoods safe and attractive to residents, businesses and visitors.
We must make money available for ongoing maintenance of our buildings, parks and streets. Family activities and facilities must be among our priorities.
Development and redevelopment is the life blood of the community. We must have intelligent growth while preserving what makes Palm Springs unique. We must facilitate smart growth by making the process more streamlined and friendly to those interested in doing business in Palm Springs.
Finally, we must continue marketing initiatives and work with the other cities in the valley to resolve mutual concerns.
As a councilman, I will lead by the same principles that guided me as the Chief of Police in Palm Springs---Listen and do what is best for the entire city.
I am the only candidate that has led a major department within the city. I have constructed the Department Budgets and lived within City Budgets. And I achieved many things for our city within those constraints.
I think my skill set is unique in that I really know our city very well. I spent a great deal of time as Chief of Police in Palm Springs bringing citizens together and together getting things done. I was the first Chief of Police to involve the citizens of Palm Springs in creating a five year strategic plan for the department. I was the architect of the City’s Community Policing Program, I created the Police Advisory Committee and I also created the Citizen’s Police Academy for students at the high school as part of their civics curriculum. Involving the stakeholders at all levels of city government has been and will always be important to me.
WHY YOU’LL MAKE A GREAT CITY COUNCIL MEMBER:
I really am dedicated to this city. I love Palm Springs Iím raising my family here and I want them to enjoy the same kind of atmosphere that I had as a child growing up here. I want our city to be safe. I want our city to be clean. I want our city to provide beautiful public buildings and parks. I want our city to be blight free. I want our city to approve smart development. And, if we do all that, we will attract the business, residents and visitors to make Palm Springs prosperous. I want you to vote for me because I have a vision for success and working together we can make it happen
WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN WHITE HOUSE?
I have not decided which presidential candidate I will vote for but I do know this. I will be looking for an individual that has the skills to bring our country together.
JOHN WILLIAMS
REACH OUT TO THE VOTERS
Most of us weren’t born in Palm Springs; we chose to live here. We all want to keep our home special. To preserve our way of life and plan for the future, we need leaders with a track record of growing our economy, first-hand experience in keeping us safe and a plan to make our downtown the hub we all want. Since moving to Palm Springs in 1995, I have created jobs for more than 50 people at my successful boutique hotel, while working tirelessly to make Palm Springs a better place to live through my extensive community involvement.
I developed business and financial management skills through 15 years in the hotel and hospitality business prior to moving to Palm Springs. I am originally from Georgia, where I earned a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree form Georgia Tech in Atlanta. My partner and I, Jean-Guy Lachance, recently celebrated our 25th anniversary.
Through community involvement, I believe we can make a difference. I will take that knowledge and experience, and that “can do” attitude with me to the Palm Springs City Council. I respectfully ask for your vote and support.
VISION FOR PALM SPRINGS
Palm Springs has a brilliant future! We are the jewel of the Coachella Valley. My vision is that we provide for the needs of our full time residents while continuing to be a world class tourist destination. That means we welcome quality, responsible growth while maintaining our charm and character. We’ll protect our mountains and our views. And we’ll respect all of our citizens and their dreams. Palm Springs is very special. We’ll keep it that way.
WHAT ISSUES MATTER MOST TO YOU?
The major issue in Palm Springs is providing opportunity for all residents. Palm Springs has been very good to me, and I want to make sure everyone can succeed. This means tackling a host of challenges including broadening economic opportunities by expanding tourism and bringing clean jobs to our city. We need to grow sensibly to protect our quality of life advantages. We absolutely must revitalize our downtown. We have to deploy our police in the most effective way possible to protect residents and tourists. And we must take care of our seniors and ensure their quality of life.
TELL US WHY YOU’LL MAKE A GREAT CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
As a twelve year resident of Palm Springs and an active member of the business and neighborhood communities, I care about the future of our city. I have the experience and knowledge to provide the leadership and vision to move our city forward. I have the ability to work with different groups to build consensus and find solutions to the major issues facing our city. I have been in a leadership position for many years and can “hit the ground running” to help our City move forward.
WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE WHITE HOUSE?
My vote goes to Hillary Clinton. I would welcome a WOMAN as President! And Hillary is right on all of my issues.
Please visit www.williamsforcouncil.com
for more on my campaign.
CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR
DON COOK
VISION FOR PALM SPRINGS
Palm Springs has waned and waxed over the decades. I want to re-establish PS and have the City keep it’s name recognization. This is a major concern and all efforts should begin immediately - not wait for far distant dreams to be constructed (the mall, the hotels, etc)
2. Help the businesses and resident citizens taxpayers lower their tax burdens. Introduce free purchase vouchers equal to 5% of resident taxpayers of their proven 2006 Federal payroll tax deductions which would be good only at PS licensed businesses.
3) Create a self sustaining non-city funded department to assist resident citizens avoid foreclosure.
4) I will see that PS tax income is only spent with PS businesses as currently most is outsourced to other cities.
ISSUES THAT MATTER MOST TO YOU:
1) I am concerned about the abuse and overburden of the City’s infrastructure (water, sewers, etc)
2) I am concerned that the City is giving money away and allowing outside entities to mandate the esthetics of PS.
3) PS should be providing tourists a better atmosphere and amenities that would keep them in the City,
4) I am concerned that the voice of the people is not heard and that only the voice and agenda of the “political machine” that has been in power for 12 years.
WHY I WOULD MAKE A GREAT MAYOR:
I am a LEADER and NOT a politician. I have the knowledge and ability to get this City out of the present quagmire and into becoming a thriving City once again. I have working knowledge of infrastructure, building and codes - no one with my background, qualifications and knowledge is running for Mayor - only a group of politicians who tell you “they are qualified” but have no working background or knowledge, I am taking no money or endorsements for my campaign and no one will be in my “pocket”. I am a Christian and I have Christian values. I came to PS with my wife to retire and want to stay.
WHO WOULD I LIKE TO SEE IN WHITE HOUSE?
Maybe Edwards - who is ethical
Other Mayoral candidates were not available to participate 0r were not able to reply on our request.. Remember to go out and vote on November 6 and help shape the future of Palm Springs.
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